Phnom Penh authorities will crack down on protests that violate Cambodian law, an official warned on January 20.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Khuong Sreng said the ban on protests and public gatherings must be fully enforced to ensure political and social security and stability.

The statement is made after members of several non-governmental organisations in Phnom Penh revealed their plan to gather in front of the embassies of the US, UK, France and Germany to appeal for the release of 23 people arrested during demonstrations and strikes which have taken place since late 2013.

The Phnom Penh administration on January 4 issued a ban on protests and marches to restore order to the country.-VNA