Fenced-in Freedom
Cambodian authorities have rejected a request from 20 unions to assemble in Phnom Penh. The unions wanted to celebrate International Labor Day at Freedom Park on May 1. The park has become a symbol of political protests and has been kept off-limits to gatherings since the beginning of the year. Photos: Mom Sophon/RFA Khmer Service.
Phnom Penh police put up a barbed wire fence around Freedom Park to prevent union workers from using the site to mark May 1 Labor Day.
Heavy rolls of barbed wire surround Freedom Park.
Police officers patrol on foot along the newly installed barbed wire at Freedom Park.
And anti-riot police trucks make a show of force near Freedom Park to prevent union workers from using the site.
On Wednesday, all was quiet and empty in the park except for police patrols along the barbed wire fence.
Curious onlookers had to keep their distance.