Cambodia: Opposition party leader charged with treason

President of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party Kem Sokha was charged with treason and could face a jail term of up to 30 years if found guilty, said the Phnom Penh court on September 5.

President of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party Kem Sokha at an election poll on June 4 (Source: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – President of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party Kem Sokha was charged with treason and could face a jail term of up to 30 years if found guilty, said the court of Phnom Penh on September 5.

He was prosecuted for “colluding with foreigners” under Article 443 of Cambodia’s penal code, the court said in a statement, adding that he is accused of conniving in a “secret plan” with foreign entities which began in 1993.

Kem Sokha was arrested at his home on September 13 after Cambodia’s police found a video broadcast by Cambodian Broadcasting Network (CBN) headquartered in Australia and other evidence showing Kem Sokha and his accomplices secretly conspired with foreigners to overthrow the Cambodian government.

The Cambodian Government described the above act as treason and espionage.

Kem Sokha was elected as CNRP President in March 2017 to replace Sam Rainsy, who stepped down in the previous month.-VNA

VNA