16 Facts About Kem Ley

Kem Ley was a Cambodian activist, physician, and political commentator.

Kem Ley was known for his political commentary, including trenchant criticisms of the current government led by Cambodian People's Party.

Kem Ley was assassinated in what has been claimed to have been a politically motivated attack on 10 July 2016 at a petrol station in Phnom Penh.

Kem Ley is the third notable activist to be killed in recent years, after union leader Chea Vichea in 2004, and environmental activist Chut Wutty in 2012.

Kem Ley finished his medical studies in 1992, and continued his master's degree in research studies at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, from 1996 to 1997.

Kem Ley criticized the government over illegal logging, border issues, and corruption.

Just a few days before his assassination, Kem Ley was approached by many local and international reporters to ask for his comments on the Global Witness report attacking Hun Sen's family.

Kem Ley was survived by his wife Bou Rachana, four sons, and one unborn child.

Now his youngest son, Kem Ley Vireakboth, was born four months after his death.

Kem Ley's wife expressed an interest to relocate her family to Australia for their safety.

Kem Ley's family fled Cambodia in August 2016 to an undisclosed location.

Kem Ley was shot on the morning of 10 July 2016 in a Star Mart cafe at a Caltex gas station in Phnom Penh.

Kem Ley's death came days after he had criticized Hun Sen's family following the release of the Global Witness report which valued the premier's family at a minimum of US$200 million.

Kem Ley's death is widely believed to be politically influenced, though Prime Minister Hun Sen has downplayed these claims.

Kem Ley's death was met with both domestic and international condemnations.

Kem Ley's body was taken to his hometown in Takeo on 24 July 2016, with an estimated 2 million mourners at his funeral.