Cambodia: Opposition lawmaker faces arrest Oct. 3 /update 1

Event

Tensions continue to rise in the Cambodian political arena, as a prominent opposition lawmaker fled the country on Tuesday, October 3, after being warned that she faced arrest for her alleged links with Kem Sokha, leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who was arrested on September 3 on charges of treason and espionage.

In early September, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh advised foreigners in the country to exercise caution amid rising political tensions and a growing anti-Westerners sentiment. Protests remain possible in the coming days, which are likely to be forcibly repressed by security forces.

Context

The Cambodian government cited a 2014 speech given by Sokha in Australia as grounds for arrest. Authorities allege that the speech exposes Sokha's collusion with a US-backed plot to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen.

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 opposition, muffling critics in the media and civil society.

Advice

Individuals present in Cambodia, and especially in Phnom Penh, are advised to closely monitor local media and to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.