Crackdown in Cambodia as opposition leader vows to return from self-imposed exile

Sam Rainsy has pledged to restore democracy in Cambodia after four years in wilderness, but faces arrest when he enters the country.

Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Sen has ordered troops at the border with Thailand to be on high alert and led a crackdown on supporters of his former main opposition party, as its leaders plot a dramatic return to the country.

Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) leaders living in self-imposed exile vowed have to “restore democracy” by returning to the country on 9 November. In the run-up to Saturday Cambodian authorities have jailed CNRP supporters and promised to arrest Sam Rainsy, the party leader, if he enters the country.

On Monday, Cambodia’s defence ministry said that troops were performing exercises with live rounds along the Thai border.At least 48 CNRP activists have been arrested so far this year after being accused of planning to overthrow the government.

In full: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/07/crackdown-in-cambodia-as-opposition-leader-vows-to-return-from-self-imposed-exile

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