Cambodia forms committee to execute warrant for Sam Rainsy arrest

Sam Rainsy, President of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party. (Source: AFP)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Cambodian Ministry of Interior on November 15 decided to establish a committee to execute a warrant for the arrest of Sam Rainsy, President of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) for defamation.

Earlier on November 13, Phnom Penh’s court issued an arrest warrant for Sam Rainsy for a sentence it pronounced in April 2011.

Rainsy was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 8 million Riel (200 USD) for slandering Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and for inciting division.

According to the decision signed by Minister of Interior Sar Kheng on November 15, the committee includes eight high-ranking officials from the ministry, the National Police, the Immigration Office and the General Department of Prisons.

The committee will appoint specialised working groups in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province, where Cambodia’s international airports are located.

The decision stated the committee is responsible for the safety of the guilty person when he is escorted to the prison. It must prevent any trouble during the enforcement of the sentence.

According to the CNRP, Sam Rainsy is in the Republic of Korea and is scheduled to return to Cambodia on late November 16.-VNA