Supporters from unions and youth groups call for justice and a full investigation into Kem Ley's death.

Around 200 people, many from unions, youth groups, NGOs, associations and political parties, came together in central Phnom Penh this morning to commemorate the 9-year anniversary of the assassination of political analyst and human rights defenders Kem Ley. They gathered at the Bokor Caltex station’s Star Mart where Ley was shot to lay flowers and photographs, hold a Buddhist blessing ceremony, and to call for justice for him and his family.

After the gathering, the group continued to Wat Chas pagoda in Chroy Changva district to hold a Buddhist blessing for the slain activist.

In addition to marking 9 years since Kem Ley's murder, today also marks 9 years of local and international civil society groups continuing their calls for an independent, thorough, impartial, and effective investigation into his death.

Dr. Kem Ley, a prominent political analyst and human rights defender, was shot and killed on 10 July 2016 while drinking his morning coffee. Authorities quickly arrested a man who confessed to the killing and claimed he was motivated by an unpaid debt. This motive has been refuted by family members of both Kem Ley and the alleged perpetrator.

The half-day trial that followed in March 2017 failed to meet international fair trial standards and was widely criticised for its inadequacy. The accused was sentenced to life in prison. No other parties were implicated and much remains unknown about the circumstances leading to Kem Ley’s death. Local and international groups have consistently highlighted flaws with the trial and investigation, particularly the failure to properly examine the facts surrounding the case. More than 160 groups signed a letter to the then-Interior Minister to call for the creation of an independent Commission of Inquiry into the murder.

Despite repeated calls for an independent investigation into Kem Ley’s death, the Cambodian government has yet to take meaningful action. Instead, activists who gather peacefully to commemorate his life regularly face arrest and harassment. Furthermore, Kem Ley’s wife and children fled from Cambodia and were granted asylum in Australia out of fear for their safety.

On this ninth anniversary of Kem Ley’s murder, civil society renews its demand for an authentic investigation – one that seeks to ensure those responsible are finally made accountable and brought to justice – and renews its call for justice for Kem Ley, Chut Wutty, Chea Vichea, and all slain activists in Cambodia.

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