Press Statement
Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson
May 17, 2019
Washington, DC
The United States is deeply troubled by the death of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) member Tith Rorn while in police custody and calls for an immediate independent investigation into the events leading to his arrest and death. We are also concerned about the recent judicial proceedings initiated against more than 65 members of the CNRP.
We urge the Cambodian government to remove undue political restrictions on all persons in Cambodia and to release those prisoners who have been arbitrarily or unlawfully detained, including Kem Sokha. We also urge the Cambodian government to support genuine multi-party democracy and ensure its actions and laws comply with Cambodia’s human rights obligations under international law.