Cambodian riot police have used electrified batons and clubs to beat demonstrators demanding a licence for an independent television station, claiming they were defying a ban on unauthorised rallies.
Scores of armed police violently dispersed more than 100 protesters who tried to rally in a Phnom Penh park, activists and witnesses told AFP news agency on Monday.
At least two protesters were wounded, one hit by a police baton in the head and another punched in one eye, according to Am Sam Ath of local rights group Licadho.
The protesters were rallying in support of prominent government critic and radio station owner Mam Sonando, who is calling on authorities to provide him a licence for a television station.
The government has repeatedly denied the request, saying there is no frequency available.
But Cambodia stands accused of only granting licences to pro-government media.
Local rights group ADHOC condemned the crackdown as violation of human rights.
"Mam Sonando is demanding a TV license to counter the government's monopoly on televised media and greater reach for his radio station," the group said in a statement.
"A free and independent press is vital in a democracy; however the Cambodian government looks determined to keep a tight reign over access to information," it added.
