FORUM-ASIA denounces the detention of Mu Sochua, the leader of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), at the airport in Malaysia. We urge the Malaysian Government to immediately release the exiled leader. The detention comes after unwarranted disruption of Sochua’s press conference by the Cambodian Ambassador to Indonesia in Jakarta yesterday.

These acts of intimidation orchestrated by the Cambodian Government, with support of other ASEAN Governments, highlight the collusion among ASEAN leaders to suppress and harass critics, activists and opposition leaders.

Malaysia, with the Government elected based on an agenda of reform, must stand by its commitment to promote and respect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. FORUM-ASIA urges the people of the ASEAN region to continue to speak out against these acts committed by their Governments, and hold ASEAN Governments accountable for their continuous disrespect of human rights.

***

For further information, please contact:

– East Asia and ASEAN Programme, FORUM-ASIA, [email protected]