PHNOM PENH: Two members of Cambodia's opposition party have been beaten up outside the National Assembly by protesters who were demanding that the deputy opposition leader step down as parliamentary vice president.

More than 1,000 demonstrators had gathered Monday morning to demand the resignation of Kem Sokha, deputy leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party. Kem Sokha has been more aggressive than party leader Sam Rainsy in his criticism of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has replied in kind. Monday's protesters appeared to be supporters of Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party.

Opposition spokesman Yim Sovann said lawmakers Nhoy Chamreoun and Kong Sakphea were beaten after leaving the morning session of the assembly. One was seen with a bloodied nose and the other was knocked temporarily unconscious.