The Cambodian Government is considering legal action against Sam Rainsy, President of opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), over his letter to the country’s King Norodom Sihamoni which is said to rebuke the monarch for endorsing the parliament.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said on April 7 that the opposition leader insulted King Norodom in the letter sent last week, which accused the monarch of congratulating the parliament on convening despite months of protests against the poll result.
Legal experts are examining the case and a lawsuit can be filed before the Khmer New Year, which starts in mid-April, said Hun Sen.
Earlier, the Cambodia National Assembly also reacted strongly to Sam Rainsy’s letter, saying that it seriously hurt the King’s supreme role.
The CNRP leader sent his letter to the King on April 2, saying that the current Cambodian parliament is illegal as it only gathers representatives from the ruling Cambodia People’s Party.
The document was thought to be a reaction against the King’s royal message dated April 1 on the occasion of the opening of the fifth National Assembly, in which the King expressed his hope that the legislature will take on the challenges to ensure peace, stability, security, social order and sustainable development for the country.
Sam Rainsy and his Party have boycotted parliament since September after the July election results showed that the Cambodian People’s Party won 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the CNRP.
Claiming election irregularities, CNRP has also staged demonstrations demanding investigation or a reelection, along with deep electoral reform.-VNA
Prime Minister Hun Sen said on April 7 that the opposition leader insulted King Norodom in the letter sent last week, which accused the monarch of congratulating the parliament on convening despite months of protests against the poll result.
Legal experts are examining the case and a lawsuit can be filed before the Khmer New Year, which starts in mid-April, said Hun Sen.
Earlier, the Cambodia National Assembly also reacted strongly to Sam Rainsy’s letter, saying that it seriously hurt the King’s supreme role.
The CNRP leader sent his letter to the King on April 2, saying that the current Cambodian parliament is illegal as it only gathers representatives from the ruling Cambodia People’s Party.
The document was thought to be a reaction against the King’s royal message dated April 1 on the occasion of the opening of the fifth National Assembly, in which the King expressed his hope that the legislature will take on the challenges to ensure peace, stability, security, social order and sustainable development for the country.
Sam Rainsy and his Party have boycotted parliament since September after the July election results showed that the Cambodian People’s Party won 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the CNRP.
Claiming election irregularities, CNRP has also staged demonstrations demanding investigation or a reelection, along with deep electoral reform.-VNA
