A Cambodia National Rescue Party councillor jailed for his alleged role in a violent protest in July at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park was visited yesterday by his family and a fellow opposition member, as the party called for his release.

Mak Choub, a CNRP member in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district, said that 48-year-old Sum Puthy, a commune councillor in Chbar Ampov district, has been held in poor conditions at the capital’s Prey Sar prison since his arrest on Monday.

“Puthy slept overnight without a pillow, blanket or mosquito net. It’s a hard life for him,” he told the Post.

According to Choub, Puthy told him that he was charged with “acting against public officers and inciting people to cause violence.”

“He was stopped on his motorbike [on Monday] and police asked him to go inside the car and showed the arrest warrant to him,” he added.

But other CNRP officials and lawyers said the official charges against Puthy were still unknown.

At least 15 CNRP members or supporters have been charged in connection with July’s violence, which saw security guards attacked by mobs after they moved to crack down on previously peaceful protesters.

In a statement released yesterday, the CNRP condemned the latest arrest and called for Puthy’s release.

“The CNRP would like to appeal for his release immediately without condition and all forms of threats against CNRP must be stopped,” the statement says.

Another CNRP member, Khin Chamroeun, attended court yesterday for questioning over his alleged role in the violence.