Cambodian lawmaker Um Sam An (C) is being escorted by police (Source: dailymail.co.uk)
Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodian authorities on April 12 said opposition lawmaker Um Sam An from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) could face up to five years in prison after he was accused of “inciting revolt”, relating to the border map between Cambodia and Vietnam.
The lawmaker was arrested in the province of Siem Reap in early hours of April 11 after he returned from the US on April 10.
Prosecutors at a Phnom Penh court ordered his detention pending trial.
According to Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak, the lawmaker used the border issue to incite people to revolt against the government and encourage racism between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Under Cambodia’s criminal code he could face up to five years behind bars if convicted.
During a visit to a development centre for invalids in Siem Reap the same day,
Prime Minister Hun Sen said the opposition lawmaker posted on his personal Facebook account messages accusing the government of having used false maps on the border with Vietnam.
He stated that the current official border map is protected by the Constitution, ratified by the Parliament and passed by the King. Therefore, the opposition lawmaker’s deed is a criminal act.
The PM also repeated that the order issued earlier allows authorities in the country to immediately detain anyone who accuses the government of using false maps.
In September, 2015, the PM warned that strict measures would be taken against organisations and individuals who caused political instability and misunderstanding on border issues.
In the afternoon on April 12, the National Assembly summoned an urgent meeting to discuss and vote on the arrest of the opposition lawmaker.
The 15-minute meeting was attended by 63 lawmakers from the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), including PM Hun Sen, but none from the CNRP.
NA Chairman Heng Samrin announced that all 63 participating lawmakers agreed with the arrest of Um Sam An, the move that will allow the court to continue related procedures on the lawmaker on charges of “inciting to cause political instability and serious damage to the country”.-VNA
