Three Dead as Cambodian Police Open Fire on Protesters
Cambodian police opened fire on protesting garment workers Friday, leaving at least three people dead, as the kingdom’s strongman premier faced growing public anger on the streets of the capital.
Striking workers armed with sticks, rocks and Molotov cocktails clashed with rifle-wielding police in the Veng Sreng factory district of Phnom Penh, according to an AFP photographer.
“We were afraid about the security so we had to crack down on them,” said military police spokesman Kheng Tito, adding that nine policemen were injured by stones and slingshots.
“If we allow them to continue the strike it will become anarchy.” One blood-soaked worker was seen lying on the ground while another was rushed away by motorcycle after what was the latest in a series of violent clashes between security forces and textile workers demanding higher wages.
More: Three Dead as Cambodian Police Open Fire on Protesters - the Times of India