Tens of thousands of Cambodians attend funeral procession of slain activist
On Sunday, the funeral procession for prominent Cambodian government critic and pro-democracy advocate, Kem Ley, drew tens of thousands of Cambodians to the streets.
Kem Ley died on July 10, after being shot fatally in an unprovoked attack. Despite a farm worker admitting to the crime, locals believe that there's more than meets the eye to Kem Ley's sudden murder.
The funeral procession began at a Buddhist temple in the capital of Phnom Penh, where Kem Ley's body was kept.
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Supporters walked with the hearse carrying his glass casket for nearly 12 hours and for distance of 70 kilometres.
While Kem Ley's family travelled on a float, mourners joined the procession on foot, motorcycle and cars, wearing white T-shirts with his portrait on them and carrying slogans that said: "Wipe your tears and continue your journey."
As the convoy passed, onlookers bowed their heads with both hands placed together in respectful salutation. Several hundred police, including units in riot gear, were deployed along the route, particularly visible in front of Hun Sen's office, where anti-riot trucks and tear gas guns were on standby.
The march ended at Kem Ley's hometown in Takeo province for a Monday funeral.
Kem Ley's legacy
The throngs of attendees kept the peace during the procession, but the show of solidarity is believed to pose a threat to the Cambodian government, especially prime minister Hun Sen, who was a frequent target of Kem Ley's criticism.
Cambodia's history of political violence under Hun Sen continues to haunt its people.
While Kem Ley was still alive, he regularly campaigned for the government to adopt "clean politics."
According to AP, Kem Ley is the most prominent Cambodian government critic to be murdered since trade union leader Chea Vichea back in 2004.
Hun Sen has promised Cambodians a thorough investigation into Kem Ley's murder.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
