Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema (right) greets well-wishers as he arrives for the inauguration ceremony of Democracy Square in downtown Phnom Penh, Cambodia. -- PHOTO: AP
PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA unveiled its first designated protest site in the capital on Thursday, in the face of rights groups' fears that Democracy Square is designed to keep dissenters isolated and out of sight.
'We are furthering democracy in Cambodia,' Phnom Penh governor Kep Chuktema said at the opening ceremony of the site, which is nicknamed Freedom Park and modelled on international examples such as Speakers' Corner in London.
He appealed to would-be protesters to freely voice their concerns at the 60 by 200 metre open space near the US embassy and the capital's famed Wat Phnom temple, which historically marks the centre of the city.
But rights activists fear the new square will keep protesters off the streets and away from government offices and legislative buildings - traditionally the focus of rallies.
'I will not applaud this freedom park because it is a signal that Cambodia is limiting... the people's freedom,' said Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions.
While protesters can still apply for a permit to demonstrate in other parts of the capital, Rong Chhun fears authorities would use the park as an excuse to withhold permission. -- AFP
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