Cambodia: Parliament approves lèse-majesté law February 14 /update 1

Event

The Cambodian parliament passed a lèse-majesté law on Wednesday, February 14, stipulating that insulting the royal family is punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of between USD 500 (KHR 2 million) and USD 2500 (KHR 10 million). The measure is expected to come into effect after being passed by the Senate and approved by King Norodom Sihamoni in the near-term.

Context

Cambodian Prime Minister 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 ahead of the July 2018 general election. Hun Sen, who has been Cambodia's head of government since 1985, is expected to win reelection principally unopposed.

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 despite 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.