Cambodia opposition calls killing 'political threat'

Relatives of killed journalist Khim Sambo arrange portrait during mourning ceremony at pagoda in Phnom Penh, 12 Jul 2008

Radio Australia

Cambodia's opposition Sam Rainsy Party has issued a statement calling the killing of a newspaper journalist and his son on Friday an ''assassination'' and ''a political threat''.

The journalist, Khim Sambor, worked for a newspaper allied with the party.

He was attacked, along with his 21-year-old son, by a pair of motorbike-riding assailants on Friday.

Police sources and witnesses say the 47-year-old was shot in the back as he was riding on a motorbike driven by his son.

A gunman riding pillion on the assailants' motorcycle then shot the son in the chest as he was going to the aid of his father and telephoning for help.

The Sam Rainsy Party expressed doubt that his killers would be apprehended.

The killing comes amid the month-long official campaign season for the July 27 general election.