PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — A prominent Cambodian labor union leader who is a longtime government critic has been arrested on a charge of inciting social unrest because of his comments about a politically sensitive matter concerning the country’s borders. Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, was arrested Friday night at his home and taken Saturday to Phnom Penh Municipal Court, where he was formally charged with “incitement to commit felony” for statements alleged to be provocative. Rong Chhun served on the national election committee of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party before it was dissolved by court order in November 2017, ahead of the 2018 general election. The court’s action was generally seen as intended to ensure victory for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian Peoples Party. On Wednesday, Rong Chhun led several dozen factory workers to present a petition at Hun Sen’s residence asking him to help with their welfare after their factory was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: International New York Times August 01, 2020 06:56 UTC