Cambodian military investigates after coup plans against Prime Minister Hun Sen aired on Facebook
Hun Sen has ruled with an iron fist for more than 30 years, defeating all challenges to his authority
Cambodia’s military is investigating a suspected coup plot against Prime Minister Hun Sen, a defence ministry official said on Wednesday, amid rising political tension in the Southeast Asian country.
The army investigation centres on a man who announced plans to topple Hun Sen in Facebook and YouTube videos and called on others to join his cause, said Defence Ministry spokesman Chhum Sucheat.
“The authorities are investigating and looking for him,” Chhum Sucheat said, identifying the man as Vichea Som without giving further details.
In the near future, please all forces be ready against the dictatorial regime
News of the plot comes a day after a senior US official responsible for human rights urged Cambodia’s political rivals to return to negotiations amid a “deteriorating situation”.
In the video, the man the ministry identified as Vichea Som is dressed in a business suit and tie with a camouflage background visible in the footage.
He did not identify himself but accused Hun Sen’s government and his ruling Cambodian People’s Party of being behind big land grabs in one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries. He also accused the government of high-profile killings and human rights abuses.
“In the near future, please all forces be ready against the dictatorial regime,” the man said.
He did not specifically call for a coup or threaten to organise a coup in the video clip.
