8 hurt as Cambodian police break up protest calling for opposition television station

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – At least eight people have been injured in Cambodia's capital as police fired smoke canisters to break up an anti-government demonstration.

Several hundred people gathered Monday to press demand for a government critic to be allowed a license for a television channel. The government last week rejected the application, saying there was no frequency available. All existing stations are closely linked to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Ny Chariya of the human rights group Adhoc said three of the injured protesters suffered serious head injuries. On Sunday, several people were injured when police tried to break up another protest.

The government imposed a ban on street demonstrations in Phnom Penh after a wave of protests in early January challenging the results of last year's election, which the opposition alleges was rigged.