Many Cats And Few Mice…
A demonstration ban from the Ministry of Interior, a sealed off Freedom Park and the equation of important riot police forces, few workers and a fair amount of observers or journalists (at times larger than the number of workers) showing up at Freedom Park resulted in an informal demonstration/meeting/gathering/protest in the garden adjacent to the park. Many opposition figures, ranging from opposition CNRP co-presidents Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy, to Mam Sonando, Rong Chhun, Ty Savanntha and several others showed up, spoke a few words in the bullhorn and left.
A simultaneous attempt by land rights activists from Borei Keila and Boeung Kak lake, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ) attempted to march and deliver a petition to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs -this after all IS International Women’s Day- was thwarted by truckloads of riot police who prevented the group from reaching Monivong boulevard.
Peace prevailed. But the demonstration ban returned…
