Gov't launches broad crackdown on opposition

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP):Cambodia's government launched a broad crackdown on the political opposition yesterday, clearing its main protest site, banning its street demonstrations for the immediate future and having a court call in opposition party leaders for questioning on charges of inciting social unrest.

Police dispersed about 1,000 anti-government demonstrators from a park in the capital, Phnom Penh, a day after four people were killed in a crackdown on a labour protest. Stages and other structures erected by the protesters were demolished.

Hundreds of anti-riot police moved in after warning the protesters to leave Freedom Park, where they had camped since mid-December to demand that Prime Minister Hun Sen step down and call new elections.

They claim that July's general election was rigged and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party robbed of victory.