Security forces beat demonstrators mercilessly today after a May Day rally held in defiance of a ban on protests in the Cambodian capital Pnomh Penh.

Civilian auxiliary police armed with clubs attacked demonstrators after opposition leaders had spoken to the crowd and left the rally.

Over 1,000 factory workers and supporters of the centre-right opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party had gathered outside the city’s Freedom Park, which had been barred to demonstrators and sealed with barbed wire.

Human rights group Licadho said at least five people were hurt by security forces.

“They seem to be addicted to beating people,” said spokesman Om Sam Ath. “Not one of them has ever been arrested.”

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy condemned the rally ban and backed demands for a higher minimum wage for garment workers.

A demonstration ban has been in place since late January, following protests for the higher wage.