Kimya Killer’s Extradition Shows Government Integrity: PM

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By:
- Khorn Champa
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January 20, 2025, 5:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet has answered allegations of government involvement in the murder of former opposition politician Lim Kimya by pointing to the extradition to Thailand of the killer.
“Is the government so foolish? If the government is the mastermind behind the assassination, why is it necessary for us to arrest the killer and send him to Thailand for investigation?” Hun Manet said.
It was the first time that the head of the government had publicly addressed the murder since the incident early this month.
The PM raised the question during an inauguration ceremony in Bunrany Senchey village in Pursat province on January 20.
Hun Manet said that if the government had ordered the killing, the government could hide the killer and not extradite him.
“We have all the capabilities, but why did the government immediately intervene? We have to arrest the assailant immediately and send him to Thailand at his request for further investigation,” he said.
“It is because we want to know what happened in this case, as the government has already been accused unfairly.”
Hun Manet condemned the perpetrators and sent a message of condolences to the family of the deceased. HHHe urged opposition groups abroad not to politicize the case.
Kimya was a member of parliament from 2013 until 2018, when he joined the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party. His political career was disrupted in 2017 when the Cambodian court dissolved the party, leading to a ban on political activities for many of its members.
Following his killing, Cambodian authorities apprehended suspect Ekkalak Pheanoi. Ekkalak, a former marine, was extradited to Thailand. He confessed to the crime and was charged with premeditated murder and unauthorized gun ownership.
Ekkalak gave police further details, which led to the identification of his accomplices, including Cambodian suspect Pich Kimsrin, 24, and alleged mastermind Ly Rattanarasmey, 43.
Interpol has issued red notices for both, who are believed to be hiding in Cambodia.
Ratanakrasmey was once an advisor to former prime minister Hun Sen and a member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. However, the government and the CPP denied all accusations and said Ratanakrasmey’s role as an advisor and his CPP membership were terminated on March 13, 2024.
