Sam Rainsy, Sar Kheng talk about arrest of officials, monks, activist

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Opposition leader Sam Rainsy asked Interior Minister Sar Kheng to release Meach Sovannara, CNRP's senior official, and other people who were arrested this month.

Sam Rainsy made the request during a meeting Thursday with Sar Kheng, one of the CPP's top leaders, at the National Assembly building.

Speaking to reporters from inside his vehicle after the meeting, Rainsy said he also discussed draft law of creation of National Election Committee.

17 people including Meach Sovannara, CNRP's senior official, have been arrested and detained since November 10 for their various roles in protests.

Seven Boeug Kok land rights activists were arrested on November 10 after they protested and blocked traffic in front of Phnom Penh City Hall to demand that government address floodwater issue in their community. The seven were sentenced the following day to one year each in prison for violation of traffic law by blocking road, and protesting against public civil servants.

On November 11, Meach Sovannara was arrested by Phnom Penh police while he was on the back seat of his vehicle. Police read a court warrant to him before he was arrested over his involvement in leading insurrection, following the violent clash on July 15near the Freedom Park.

The rest including Buddhist monks were arrested when they protested to demand the release of other arrestees.