CNRP pol pushes for statue to honour Kem Ley

People hold up Kem Ley posters at the political analyst’s funeral in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district last month. Heng Chivoan

Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Ou Chanrith has requested the governor of Phnom Penh allow a statue of slain political analyst Kem Ley to be erected in the capital’s Freedom Park.

Chanrith, a representative for Ley’s native Takeo, wrote to Pa Socheatvong on August 17 saying the statue should be built for the “millions of people” in Cambodia who admired the anti-government critic.

“Supporters, and myself, want to build and position Kem Ley’s statue in Freedom Park as a reminder of his heroism, which is a symbol for freedom of expression,” Chanrith wrote in his letter seeking permission for the monument.

Reached yesterday, City Hall spokesman Mean Chanyada said the municipality had not yet received the letter and declined to discuss the proposal.

Ley was gunned down at a Phnom Penh gas station on July 10. Though a man claiming Ley owed him money has been charged, many believe the killing was a political assassination.

A previous request by the Grassroots Democracy Party, which Ley helped create, to honour the critic with a public holiday was swiftly rejected.

Contact author: Lay Samean

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