Opposition lawmakers yesterday condemned the fatal shooting of a union leader in Cambodia, claiming he is the latest in a series of people linked to the political opposition to have been slain.
Ros Sovanna Reth, who represented union members at the Try Nonga Komara Company's textile factory in the capital, was shot dead Friday by two unidentified gunmen near Phnom Penh University.
He belonged to The Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, whose president, Chea Vichea, was fatally gunned down in late January.
Chea Vichea was affiliated with the main opposition party, the Sam Rainsy Party. Several other opposition workers have also been killed in the last year.
"It seems more like a target killing carried out by a group of serial killers who have enjoyed a free rein with impunity," Sam Rainsy party lawmakers said in a statement to express outrage at the death of Ros Sovanna Reth.
"The assassinations of the union leaders will, sooner or later, adversely affect factory working conditions in Cambodia," the statement said.
Police have said it's too early to know if the slaying was politically motivated.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said they were awaiting results of a police investigation and were concerned about all murders.
The independent Cambodian Center for Human Rights was investigating the killing and hasn't determined the motive.
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