Probe into alleged bid to topple PM

RISING TENSION:

It centres on man who announced plans on social media, says ministry

THE military is investigating a suspected coup plot against Prime Minister Hun Sen, a Defence Ministry official said yesterday, amid rising political tension in the country.

The investigation centred on a man who announced plans to topple Hun Sen on Facebook and YouTube, and called on others to join his cause, said ministry spokesman Chhum Sucheat.

“The authorities are investigating and looking for him,” Chhum Sucheat said. He identified the man as Vichea Som.

News of the plot comes a day after a senior United States official responsible for human rights urged Cambodia’s political rivals to return to negotiations amid a “deteriorating situation”.

In the video, Vichea Som is seen in a business suit and tie, with a camouflage background visible in the footage.

He did not identify himself but accused Hun Sen’s government and his ruling Cambodian People’s Party of being behind big land grabs in the country. He also accused the government of high-profile killings and human rights abuses.

“In the near future, please, all forces be ready against the dictatorial regime,” the man said.

He did not specifically call for a coup or threaten to organise a coup in the video clip.

It was not clear where he was speaking from, but he said he belonged to a “unit” based in southwestern Cambodia.

The Facebook page bearing the name Vichea Som showed the same man.

Hun Sen has ruled with an iron fist for more than 30 years, defeating all challenges to his authority, but he faces a young electorate that appears increasingly hungry for change.

In recent months, tension has been rising between Hun Sen and an opposition hoping to challenge his grip in local elections next year and a general election in 2018.

Several members of the opposition and activists have been jailed as part of what they say is a government crackdown to silence critics ahead of the elections. Reuters