Cambodia: Arrest and execution of political opponents

During the weekend of 5-6 July 1997, forces loyal to Cambodia's Second Prime Minister Hun Sen launched violent and sustained attacks against forces loyal to First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh in the capital Phnom Penh. The fighting left more than 40 people dead, including civilians, and over 200 injured. As the forces loyal to Hun Sen consolidated their hold on the capital and surrounding area, individuals loyal to Prince Ranariddh and his political party have been extrajudicially executed, while dozens have fled the country in fear of their lives, along with members of opposition parties. In spite of assurances from Hun Sen that 'there is no persecution'[1] Amnesty International believes that more than 30 people have been deliberately killed since 4 July, and hundreds remain in detention. Human rights monitors have yet to be given access to these detainees, in spite of formal requests made to the Cambodian authorities, and there are grave fears for their safety. Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the events which took place in Cambodia during the weekend 5-6 July, and the apparent arrests and executions that followed. The organization fears for the safety of those in detention. In spite of the assurances from the Cambodian authorities that human rights violations will not be tolerated and that political parties, the press and human rights groups should continue to function as normal, many people in Cambodia remain fearful for their safety and a large number have already fled the country. This document gives details of arrests and executions since 5-6 July and includes recommendations to the Cambodian authorities and the international community.