Calls for Justice Continue Seven Years after Kem Ley’s Murder
Published on 10 July 2023
Citizens, political party representatives and civil society groups, including NGOs and activists, congregated today to mark the seventh anniversary of Kem Ley’s murder. They continue their call for a genuine and impartial investigation into his death to establish the truth and secure justice for him and his family.
On 10 July 2016, Kem Ley was shot dead whilst drinking his morning coffee at the Star Mart at Caltex Bokor service station in Phnom Penh. A popular political analyst and commentator, Ley was murdered during an uptick of attacks on human rights defenders and the political opposition. The investigation into his death failed to identify any perpetrators beyond the convicted shooter whose motivations were dubious, and is still widely considered to be inadequate.
Today in Phnom Penh, people gathered to pay respects and lay flowers at the Caltex Bokor service station, monitored by at least 15 plainclothes authorities. Among the attendees was Rong Chhun, Vice-President of the Candlelight Party and prominent human rights activist, who contributed comments in remembrance of Kem Ley. Environmental activists also spoke in memory of Ley. Attendees then took part in a ceremony at Solidarity House. In Takeo province, others gathered at Ley’s house to offer their respects and call for justice.
