A Hong Kong-based Instagram influencer has written an open letter to Cambodia’s prime minister, calling for the immediate release of her father, who needs urgent medical care.
Stephanie Cheng, also known as Laparasian on Instagram, posted a copy of the letter in English, French and Chinese on her social media early Saturday morning.
In a separate post the previous day, the influencer said that her father, Cheng Chi-gian, a French citizen, had been “kidnapped in Phnom Penh just before exposing a high-level corruption case”, and that her family’s lawyers were unable to get in touch with him.
Addressing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in her letter, Cheng said her father had not been informed of his charges when arrested on June 11 and called on the leader to intervene in the case.
Her father’s transfer to Prey Sar Prison was also a “serious concern” for her, “given his fragile health condition, as a 63-year-old man, in the harsh environment in which he is now being held”, while unable to understand the Khmer language.
“We are pleading for his immediate release on bail,” she said.
