Cambodia: Government set to criminalize insulting the monarchy

Event

As of Friday, February 2, the Cambodian government is set to approve a new constitutional amendment that would criminalize insulting the Cambodian monarchy. On Friday, the cabinet of Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly added a clause to the constitution that would penalize such insults with one to five years in prison and a fine of between USD 500-2500 (KHR 2 million-10 million). The National Assembly is expected to pass the law in the near term; however, it is currently unclear exactly when the measure will be approved and put into effect.

Context

Hun Sen's cabinet reported that the measure was proposed "to uphold and defend His Majesty the King and His Honor." Civil rights groups have criticized the move, claiming that the law will be used to further suppress dissent from the country's persecuted political opposition.

In general, inter-party tensions have plagued Cambodia over the past several years, exacerbating political instability in the country. Hun Sen has been accused of seeking to extend his three-decade rule in spite of the growing popularity of the political opposition via a political crackdown aimed at silencing critics, the media, and civil society. In early September 2017, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh began to advise foreigners in the country to exercise caution amid rising political tensions and a growing anti-Western sentiment.

Notably, in late December 2017, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court found political opposition leader Sam Rainsy guilty of defaming Hun Sen. The court ordered Rainsy to pay USD 1 million (KHR 4 billion) in damages as well as a USD 2500 (KHR 10 million) fine.

Advice

Individuals present in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh, are advised to closely monitor local media for developments to the situation, avoid discussing contentious political topics in public and on the Internet, and adhere to local regulations.​