FCO warns British travellers about further Cambodia protests after man is shot dead

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned British travellers about further political protests in Cambodia after a man was killed in the country’s capital Phnom Penh yesterday.

Opposition supporters have been holding demonstrations amid allegations of voter fraud after the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) claimed victory in July’s general election.

Buddhist monks, who are supporters of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, protest in Freedom Park

They clashed with police in Freedom Park yesterday after some demonstrators tried to dismantle a barricade of razor wire and roadblocks preventing access to the city’s Royal Palace.

Police used tear gas, water cannons and smoke grenades to disperse the crowd and demonstrators responded by throwing rocks, shoes and other objects.

Further smoke bombs were used to disperse another group of protesters who had tried to remove a second barricade near the opposition's headquarters, according to Reuters.

Human rights group Adhoc claimed that one man died after being shot in the head and 10 others were injured.
However, a police spokesman claimed that live bullets had not been used by officers. National Military Police spokesman Kheng Tito told Reuters: “I don't know how he was killed. We didn't use live bullets.”

Protesters clashed with police after they tried to dismantle a barricade of razor wire and roadblocks preventing access to the city's Royal Palace

Mr Rainsy's opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) said in a statement that it "strongly condemns the violent, brutal act of police who fired guns and beat people who were just travellers who tried to cross the bridge, leaving one dead, many injured and others detained".

It added that it did not condone the "small group of opportunists" who had caused trouble during the protests.

It was unclear how long the demonstrations would last. At least 1000 protestors camped out overnight in Freedom Park last night and stated that they would stay for at least three days.

The FCO website says that protests were set to continue on 16 and 17 September and advised British tourists to follow local media and avoid all gatherings.

It also issued a warning about security alerts following the discovery of a small explosive device around Phnom Penh, the most recent on 13 September.

Ornate splendour: Phnom Penh's Royal Palace is one of Cambodia's popular tourist destinations

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power for 28 years, met opposition leader Sam Rainsy today in a bid to resolve a political stalemate.

They issued a joint statement promising more talks, election commission reform and a non-violent end to the dispute.

Previously overlooked in favour of its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia has become increasing popular with British tourists and backpackers over the last 15 years.

This is largely thanks to Angkor Wat, the glorious 12th century Buddhist temple outside Siem Reap, in the north of the country, but Phnom Penh is home to several attractions, including the National Museum and the Royal Palace complex.

It also offers a glimpse into the darker side of the country with tours of Tuol Sleng, the Khmer Rouge’s brutal internment centre, and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, 10 miles south of the city.