Statement by SASC Chairman John McCain on 20th Anniversary of Grenade Attack in Cambodia
Statement
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the 20th anniversary of the grenade attack against Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy and his supporters in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:
"Today marks the 20th anniversary of the grenade attack against Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy and his supporters in Phnom Penh that killed 16 innocent people and wounded over a hundred more. An FBI investigation concluded that Cambodian government officials were responsible for the attack. Yet after 20 years, no officials have been brought to justice and the Cambodian government has still not taken any steps to hold the perpetrators accountable.
"This is an alarming indication that the situation in Cambodia remains dire. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled the country with impunity for over three decades. Throughout his rule, Hun Sen has resorted to any and all means to suppress the legitimate political opposition, harass civil society, restrain the media environment, and deny the democratic aspirations of the Cambodian people. And despite some initial positive signs of reform, it is apparent that political oppression and corruption continues unrestrained. I fear that within this environment there is little likelihood of a free and open electoral process in the elections scheduled for this year and next.
"Ultimately, the Government of Cambodia has an obligation to ensure the security and safety of the Cambodian people, including members and supporters of the political opposition. Despite 20 years passing, those responsible for this brutal attack must be held accountable. We will never forget the victims of this atrocity, including Mr. Cheth Duong Daravuth, Mr. Han Mony, Mr. Sam Sarin, Ms. Yong Sok Neuv, Ms. Yong Srey, Ms. Yos Siem, Ms. Chanty Pheakdey, Mr. Ros Sear, Ms. Sok Kheng, Mr. Yoeun Yorn, Mr. Chea Nang, and Mr. Nam Thy, and we will continue to call on the Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government to seek justice and to protect the basic human rights and freedoms of the Cambodian people."
Source