*EPF107 12/16/2002
Text: U.S. Calls for Curbs on Political Violence in Cambodia
(Statement decries lack of progress in law enforcement) (360)

The United States deplores the lack of effective investigation and prosecution of those responsible for acts of killing and political violence in Cambodia, according to a press statement released in Washington on December 13.

The State Department noted that human rights organizations have reported at least 14 politically motivated killings in 2002, with little subsequent progress in investigation and arrest of those responsible.

Looking ahead to next July's national elections, the statement urged the government "to support the aspirations of the Cambodian people for fair, impartial, and effective law enforcement."

Following is the State Department text:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman, Richard Boucher
December 13, 2002

Press Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman

Curbing Violence Against Political Activists in Cambodia

A critical problem emerging in Cambodia in advance of next July's national elections is the apparent lack of focused investigations and swift prosecutions of serious crimes of killings, violence, and intimidation against political activists. We deplore such crimes and strongly urge the Cambodian Government to take immediate steps to end this type of violence and bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice.

During 2002, human rights organizations have reported at least 14 killings of political figures and activists -- some including members of the ruling party. So far, suspects have been detained in only three cases. Little or no progress has been made in the other cases.

Today we received a credible but as yet unconfirmed report that a village chief in Battambang province, a member of the ruling party, fired his handgun at an opposition party activist on December 11. The official has not been charged and remains free. The United Nations reported yesterday that on December 5 police used electric batons and beat peaceful demonstrators outside the Department of Forestry. One of the demonstrators died of cardiac arrest later the same day.

We call upon the Cambodian Government to review its policies, its statements, and its procedures to support the aspirations of the Cambodian people for fair, impartial, and effective law enforcement.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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