Cambodian court seizes Sam Rainsy’s property hinh anh 1Sam Rainsy attended a plenary session of the Cambodian National Assembly on April 9, 2015 (Source: EPA/VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) - A Cambodian court has ordered the temporary seizure of the exiled ex-opposition leader Sam Rainsy's property after he lost two defamation cases, according to a verdict released on February 26.

The verdict said the Phnom Penh Municipal Court decided to temporarily seize Sam Rainsy's property including a piece of land and a building after he was indicted for defaming Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.

The temporary seizure of the property will be canceled only if Sam Rainsy deposits 4.25 billion riel (1.06 million USD) with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

The seized building was the headquarters of the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).

Sam Rainsy, 68, has been living in self-exile in France since November 25, 2015 to avoid two-year imprisonment for defaming Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong.

In the end of last year, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court accused Sam Rainsy of defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen.

In early 2017, Sam Rainsy posted on Facebook a status slandering PM Hun Sen on giving 1 million USD to a political activist in order to divide the CNRP. The ex-opposition party leader was asked by the court to pay a compensation of 1 million USD to PM Hun Sen and a fine of 2,500 USD.

In February 11, 2017, Sam Rainsy stepped down from CNRP President position and left the party.-VNA
VNA