CNRP pol pushes for statue to honour Kem Ley

People hold up Kem Ley posters at the political analyst’s funeral in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district last month. Heng Chivoan

Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Ou Chanrith has requested the governor of Phnom Penh allow a statue of slain political analyst Kem Ley to be erected in the capital’s Freedom Park.

Chanrith, a representative for Ley’s native Takeo, wrote to Pa Socheatvong on August 17 saying the statue should be built for the “millions of people” in Cambodia who admired the anti-government critic.

“Supporters, and myself, want to build and position Kem Ley’s statue in Freedom Park as a reminder of his heroism, which is a symbol for freedom of expression,” Chanrith wrote in his letter seeking permission for the monument.

Reached yesterday, City Hall spokesman Mean Chanyada said the municipality had not yet received the letter and declined to discuss the proposal.

Ley was gunned down at a Phnom Penh gas station on July 10. Though a man claiming Ley owed him money has been charged, many believe the killing was a political assassination.

A previous request by the Grassroots Democracy Party, which Ley helped create, to honour the critic with a public holiday was swiftly rejected.

Contact author: Lay Samean

MOST VIEWED

Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up
The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six
Manet: Cambodia safe for travel
Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a
UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy
Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,
Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy
Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s
Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties
In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the
Kep selected for ‘world-class’ 2.7km beach development
Kep province has been selected as the first site of a new coastal development initiative, with a “world-class” 2.7km beach planned for the near future. The Kep Provincial Administration met with the National Committee for Coastal Management and Development to discuss the development of the