Thursday, 17 July 2008

No Help Asked of FBI in Reporter's Killing

By Pich Samnang, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 July 2008

The government has not requested help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation in apprehending a suspect in Friday's shooting of an opposition journalist, and Phnom Penh's police chief said Wednesday his police did not need it.

Phnom Penh Police Chief Touch Naroth told VOA Khmer Wednesday the investigation was ongoing, but his personnel were capable of handling the investigation into the shooting of Khim Sambor and his son Friday.

Khim Sambor, a reporter for the pro-Sam Rainsy Party Moneaksekar Khmer newspaper, was shot dead along with his son on a Phnom Penh street Friday night.

No suspects have been apprehended.

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Wednesday it was not the role of the government to ask the FBI for help, but it was a matter for the police.

The FBI have announced they will help the investigation, if asked.

Human rights officials said the killing ahead of the elections constitutes political intimidation for opposition groups and voters.

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