Cambodian Prime Minister Denies Government Involvement in Opposition Politician’s Killing
Background
Thai national Ekkalak Paenoi was arrested in Cambodia on January 8 and handed over to Thai authorities. He confessed to the crime in a live stream video after being charged with premeditated murder and unauthorised gun ownership.
Killing of Opposition Politician
Lim Kimya, a former lawmaker for the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was shot dead on January 7 by a motorcyclist as he arrived in Bangkok by bus from Cambodia with his French wife.
Denial of Government Involvement
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet denied that his government and father, former leader Hun Sen, were involved in the killing. He condemned the killing and denied the government or his father were behind the murder.
Motives and Investigation
Hun Manet asked why the government would orchestrate the killing and then arrest the killer and send him to Thailand for an investigation. He claimed that the government had been accused unfairly and that Phnom Penh wanted to know the motive for the murder, with authorities ready to cooperate with their Thai counterparts.
Opposition Figures Accuse Hun Sen
Cambodia’s exiled opposition figure Sam Rainsy accused Hun Sen of ordering the shooting. Hun Manet accused opposition figures of politicising the killing for their own "political benefits".
Mastermind Behind the Killing
Thai police said they were hunting a Cambodian national believed to be the mastermind behind the killing. Public broadcaster ThaiPBS reported that the Cambodian, identified as Somwang Bamrungkit, 43, faces charges of hiring someone to commit murder and unauthorised possession and use of a firearm.
Driver Accused of Helping Gunman Escape
Thai police also arrested a driver accused of helping the Thai gunman escape. Some Thai media reports said Ekkalak was paid 60,000 baht for the killing, but police say he has claimed he did not receive payment and took the job "to pay a debt of gratitude".
Hun Sen’s Rule
Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades, with rights groups accusing him of using the legal system to crush opposition. He stepped down and handed power to his son in 2023 but is still seen as a major power in the kingdom.
Conclusion
The killing of Lim Kimya has sparked controversy and accusations of government involvement. While Hun Manet has denied any involvement, opposition figures have accused Hun Sen of ordering the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the true motives behind the killing were.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was killed in the shooting?
A: Lim Kimya, a former lawmaker for the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
Q: Who was arrested in connection with the killing?
A: Thai national Ekkalak Paenoi was arrested in Cambodia and handed over to Thai authorities.
Q: Who is accused of ordering the shooting?
A: Cambodia’s exiled opposition figure Sam Rainsy has accused Hun Sen of ordering the shooting.
Q: What are the charges against the mastermind behind the killing?
A: Somwang Bamrungkit, 43, faces charges of hiring someone to commit murder and unauthorised possession and use of a firearm.