Opposition Barred Again from Freedom Park

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy and a crowd of supporters were blocked from Freedom Park in Phnom Penh on Friday. The president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party had hoped to push through a government ban on public assembly, joining fellow Rescue Party member Mu Sochua, who has tried repeatedly to enter the park, a designated space for public assembly. The ban on gatherings has been in place since a government crackdown on demonstrations that left at least four people dead. A heavy contingent of police and security personnel were deployed around Freedom Park Friday to prevent anyone entering. (Kong Sothanarith, Phnom Penh)