Cambodia condemned after arresting opposition leader

CAMBODIA - The Cambodian government is coming under widespread criticism after the leader of the political opposition was arrested and accused of treason. “Kem Sokha, president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), has been accused of involving foreigners in secret plans against the Kingdom of Cambodia” the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said in a statement. “This is considered treason.” Sokha’s lawyer Chann Chen confirmed to CNN Wednesday that his client had been officially charged with treason. He said he hadn’t been able to meet him since the charge was laid. “(We) are currently trying to meet with him. We expect legal proceedings to continue in the typical way,” he said. If found guilty, Sokha could face 15 to 30 years in prison. Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has accused the opposition leader of plotting with the United States to topple the government. Sokha was arrested at his home in the capital of Phnom Penh in the early hours of Sunday morning and taken to Correctional Center 3 over 100 miles away, according to Mu Sochua, CNRP deputy president. “It’s not necessary to take him to such a remote prison,” said Sochua. “It’s difficult for his lawyers, for his colleagues and his family to visit him.” Sochua also denied there was any plot. “Kem Sokha has committed no crime. His only crime is to promote democracy and wish for the rule of law within democratic principles.” Analysts note that his arrest comes soon after his party made significant gains in the local elections in June. “The local election results are a strong indicator of a swing towards the CNRP which worried the ruling party,” said Virak Ou, a human rights activist and economy analyst.

(CNN.COM)