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The portrait of Kem Ley during a funeral procession in his honor, in Phnom Penh, on July 10. REUTERS / Samrang Pring / File Photo

In Cambodia, three years ago to the day, Kem Ley is assassinated in broad daylight, in the heart of the capital Phnom Penh. This commentator was known for his analyzes of Cambodian politics. Notably for his uncompromising stand with regard to the party of Prime Minister Hun Sen, in power for 34 years. Hundreds of thousands of people attended Kem Ley's funeral in the streets of Phnom Penh in 2016. This morning, however, most commemorations were hampered by the authorities, as at the station where he lost his life.

From our correspondent in Phnom Penh , Juliette Buchez

More than fifty members of the police surrounded the petrol station this morning, the one where Kem Ley was assassinated on July 10, 2016 . Some dozens of people still stand at a distance, like Sothea: " I want to pay tribute to him because he is an icon in Cambodia. When I see that other people have come and nothing can be done, I find it very sad . "

Because earlier this morning, three men were taken away by the police while laying flowers. Others arrive with a T-shirt commemorating Kem Ley's life. They are asked to cover them. Despite the tense climate, Heng came to drink his coffee as usual: " I do not think I'm doing anything wrong. I am a citizen, like Kem Ley: it's my right. We lost a person who dared to comment freely on the situation, the reality ".

Kem Ley's death # Cambodia #KemLey # 3anniversarydeath #Justicehttps: //t.co/40cVgJtf5o

LICADHO | លី កាដូ (@licadho) July 10, 2019

The assassination of the political commentator remains a sensitive subject. While relatives of the deceased have denounced a political act. Observers from human rights organizations were also present this morning. Among them, Am Sam Ath Deputy Director of Licadho: " Today, it is only a question of commemorating the 3 years of the murder of Kem Ley. It's the right of citizens. I think the authorities are worried that it is more politicized . "

On Tuesday, 9 July, 24 organizations again called for a transparent and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Kem Ley's death.