Cambodia enacts law to strip citizenship from those convicted of treason
Cambodia’s National Assembly on Monday approved legislation empowering the government to revoke the citizenship of individuals found guilty of treason, a move seen as further tightening political control under the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
The bill, endorsed by 120 out of 125 lawmakers in the CPP-controlled chamber, targets those convicted of colluding with foreign powers or engaging in activities deemed harmful to Cambodia’s national interests.
The measure comes against the backdrop of years of political repression. Since the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) by the Supreme Court in 2017, more than a hundred opposition members have faced mass trials, many in absentia, on charges of treason and incitement.
Authorities insist prosecutions are based on breaches of the law. However, rights groups and Western governments, notably the United States, have accused the CPP of using the courts to eliminate rivals and secure uncontested elections.
High-profile dissidents such as CNRP co-founders Sam Rainsy, in exile in France since 2016, and Mu Sochua, now in the US, remain among the most vocal critics.
In June, CPP president and former prime minister Hun Sen argued that action was necessary against Cambodians who “side with foreign nations.”
Rainsy has accused Hun Sen of corruption and of covering up civilian deaths during last month’s clashes with Thailand over the disputed border, allegations both the government and the military deny.
Reuters
