The 100 Nights Working Group Association called on the authorities to review the activities of Nation Power Party’s leader (NPP), notably its president Chea Mony and senior advisor Rong Chhun, accusing them of acting under the direction of former opposition leader Sam Rainsy.
The group, which is aligned with the government, released a video clip after the court ordered the seizure of Rong Chhun’s asset. Chhun faces fresh incitement charges over his criticism of the government’s border demarcation with Vietnam and the country’s illicit cybercrime industry. The court will give its verdict on May 5.
The two-minute video clip showed images of Chhun and Mony and their past leadership activities with teachers and unions, as well as demonstrations by garment workers, which were organized by the now-defunct opposition party, CNRP. The presenter in the video, a member of the 100 Nights Working Group Association, alleged that the duo aimed to destabilize society and incite public anger against the government.
“I urge the relevant authorities to review the activities of the Nation Power Party’s leaders and their colleagues, with the aim of preventing them from engaging in Nation Power Party political activities,” the member said.
NPP president Chea Mony questioned the “partiality” of the association, adding that it is “not important” to believe their claims. Mony stressed that his political party is conducting its activities in accordance with Cambodian law.
“I would like to ask what is the 100 Nights Working Group’s political stance?” he asked.
“It does not matter what the 100 Nights Working Group says, please focus on your own work. [Our] political party is carrying out activities in accordance with the laws of Cambodia and it is supported by villagers,” Mony said.
“It is their [the 100 Nights Working Group] tactic. Now I ask why a lot of civil society organizations and associations are not reacting? I used to work in a union,” he added.
“This group need not be concerned [about us]. If I have committed a mistake, the Interior Ministry will take action,” Mony said.
He shared that his party is organizing its structure to join the elections in 2027 and 2028 despite ongoing issues and prosecution against its party members and activists.
Meanwhile, Moung Sony, president of the 100 Nights Working Group Association, stressed that Chhun and Mony were copying former opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s “political extremism”, aimed at undermining peace and political stability.
Sony was an environmental activist who worked alongside Mother Nature, defecting to the ruling CPP in 2023. Sony was formerly president of the Khmer Student Intellectual League Association.
“[They] continue to propagate Sam Rainsy’s extremist policy, which is present in the Nation Power Party,” Sony said.
“We have observed that these politicians are following Sam Rainsy’s approach — mobilizing demonstrations and encouraging grassroots communities to protest and foster hostility toward the government,” Sony said.
He noted that former union leader Mony “actively” led workers in demonstrations and collaborated with Sam Rainsy in activities that “seriously destabilized society and caused widespread disruption”.
When contacted, Chhun said he is not paying any attention to the attacks by “certain groups”, emphasizing that the NPP is carrying out its activities in accordance with the law.
“I see that all the issues raised against me are politically motivated,” he said.
On April 22, Yang Sokheang, deputy executive NPP of a local party committee in Kampong Thom, was arrested, according to the party, which called the arrest politically motivated. However, Phnom Penh Municipal Police denied the accusation, insisting Sokheang was “inciting to disturb social security” and insulting the King, although they did not elaborate the alleged offense.
Ruling CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan echoed the police’s statement, saying that the arrest of NPP members and activists is not linked to politics.
“Do not accuse the police of wrongdoing. Please first reflect on whether any violations were actually committed. If you have acted correctly, there should be no problem,” Eysan said.
He said more than 40 other political parties are operating without any issue. “I urge you to review the meaning of the law and compare it with their activities to determine whether they are lawful. Please do not accuse the police of persecution without justification.”
Over the weekend, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party Youth congress, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, reviewed the party’s achievements in 2024 and outlined policies to safeguard territorial sovereignty, maintain peace, promote socio-economic development, and eradicate extremist political groups.
Pa Chanroeun, president of Cambodian Institute for Democracy, called on the government to open up civic and political spaces, urging authorities at all levels to respect the rights and freedoms of individuals who are engaged in social and political activities.
“For democracy to function smoothly, a credible opposition party is essential. The presence of a strong opposition ensures a balance of power and guarantees accountability,” he said.
Chanroeun believed that the arrests of NPP members and activists are related to their past political activities as opponents, particularly their experience with the now-dissolved CNRP.
He also urged political parties to review their political activities and to work toward reducing confrontation and violence.
