PHNOM Penh, Cambodia — Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen batted down speculation Wednesday that he caved to international pressure after an opposition leader was released from jail, claiming the decision was made for his ailing foe’s health and safety. But in the aftermath of the vote Hun Sen has returned to a pattern of easing up on dissent and scores of activists and former opposition members have been freed. “It was just the change of the location of detention in case he dies in prison and causes trouble to the government,” Hun Sen said, not mentioning the duty-free deal. Lawyer Meng Sopheary said the opposition leader was taking medication regularly but still needed a full examination. Hun Sen has remained defiant in the face of criticism, telling a regional summit in Hanoi last week that western governments should stay out of Southeast Asian politics.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 19, 2018 06:11 UTC