Kem Ley supporters mark 10 years since murder

Around 200 Cambodian activists gathered in Phnom Penh on Friday to mark 10 years since the murder of government critic Kem Ley and to call for a new investigation.

Kem Ley, an analyst involved in grassroots politics, was shot at close range at a gas station cafe in the capital in 2016. A former soldier, Oeuth Ang, is serving a life sentence after confessing to the killing and saying he was motivated by an unpaid debt.

Critics say the trial was a political cover-up. The Cambodian government has strongly denied any role in the killing.

Activists, human rights defenders and supporters placed flowers in front of portraits of Kem Ley at the cafe where he was killed. Chhim Sithar, leader of a trade union representing casino workers, said supporters would not forget him while justice had not been done.

Opposition politician Rong Chhun called for authorities to reopen the investigation and prosecute those involved in the killing.