Cambodian PM condemns killing of prominent political analyst

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Sunday condemned the killing of a prominent political analyst and ordered the authorities to thoroughly look into the case.

Kem Ley, 46, director of the Organization for Social Development, was shot dead on Sunday morning in a mini-mart near a gas station in Phnom Penh, where he was having a coffee.

"I'd like to express my condolences over the death of Mr. Kem Ley, who was brutally shot dead by a gunman," the prime minister wrote on his Facebook page. "I condemn this barbaric act."

"The competent authorities must take a firm action on this case and make strenuous efforts to control weapons and explosive in order to strengthen security and safety for the people across the country," he said.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Gen. Chuon Sovann said the victim suffered two shots on his head and chest.

He said a 38-year-old male suspect, whose shirt was stained with blood, was arrested with a Glock pistol soon after the crime.

"Based on the autopsy and the material evidence confiscated from the perpetrator, we conclude that the suspect is the killer who shot Kem Ley to death," Gen. Chuon Sovann said, adding that an investigation is still going on to find out the person(s) behind the murder.

The suspect told police that his name is Chuob Samlab, he said.

National Police spokesman Gen. Kirt Chantharith said earlier that the suspect confessed to the crime, saying that he got furious with Kem Ley, who owed him 3,000 U.S. dollars, but did not repay him.

"We do not believe his confession yet, as an investigation is still going on," he said.

On Sunday afternoon, the corpse of Kem Ley was moved from the scene to a pagoda in a parade that took part by hundreds of sympathizers. Endit