Interior Minister Sar Kheng said local officials have been asked to increase security measures during the upcoming Independence Day and Water Festival holidays, in light of opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s expected return on November 9.
Sam Rainsy announced he will return on November 9, the day Cambodia celebrates Independence Day, ending his years-long exile. The government has since arrested dozens of people, allegedly assisting in the return, by characterizing it as an attempt to topple the government.
In a letter dated November 30, the interior minister instructed provincial and sub-national officials to increase security measures across the country, even asking the military to deploy personnel and authorized the use of force as per the situation.
