Hun Sen assured representatives of Cambodia’s Christian community on Saturday afternoon that they will face no persecution while he is in power.

Speaking at Koh Pich City Hall, the prime minister announced he had extended his protection to the Kingdom’s Christians.

“You are at peace, and I appeal to all religions in Cambodia not to harass you or your sects,” he said.

However, Chhay Thy, Ratanakkiri provincial coordinator for Adhoc, said guarantees of freedom of religious expression are often dependent on the wider political climate.

He cited cases earlier this month in which a gathering of 50 Ratanakkiri Christians was broken up by police and three men were later detained at gunpoint for questioning.

“There have always been restrictions on freedom of assembly while there is political heat in Phnom Penh,” Thy said.