Cambodia: Opposition leader arrested September 3

Event

Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha, leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested in his home in Phnom Penh on treason charges on Sunday, September 3. In arresting Sokha, the Cambodian government cited a 2014 speech given by Sokha in Australia, which the government alleges exposes Sokha's collusion with a US-backed plot to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen. Sokha's arrest, aided by the increasing popularity of CNRP, could spark protests in coming days.

Context

Inter-party tensions have plagued Cambodia over the past several years, exacerbating political instability in the country. In February 2017, the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) passed new amendments to the country's "Law on Political Parties" which, per an Economist Intelligence Unit report, gives powers to the government to suspend political parties and actors on various subjective bases, and erodes democratic freedoms. According to the same report, the new amendments also constrain the ability of the opposition CNRP to effectively compete in national elections. These changes effectually banned Sam Rainsy, a prominent CNRP opposition leader, from participating in Cambodian politics. Kem Sokha ascended to leader of the CNRP earlier this year after Sam Rainsy fled the country and multiple criminal charges alleged by Cambodian authorities. The next general elections in Cambodia are scheduled to take place on July 29, 2018, which will elect members of the sixth National Assembly.

Advice

Individuals present in Cambodia, and especially in Phnom Penh, are advised to monitor local media closely and to avoid all protests and demonstrations as they could turn violent.