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.

2014.04.30
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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.

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Heavy rolls of barbed wire surround Freedom Park.

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Police officers patrol on foot along the newly installed barbed wire at Freedom Park.

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And anti-riot police trucks make a show of force near Freedom Park to prevent union workers from using the site.

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On Wednesday, all was quiet and empty in the park except for police patrols along the barbed wire fence.

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Curious onlookers had to keep their distance.

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