US rejects plot with Kem Sokha
PHNOM PENH: The US ambassador to Cambodia said yesterday that he is “troubled” by accusations being levelled against Washington in the treason trial of opposition leader Kem Sokha.
Speaking to reporters after attending the trial in Phnom Penh as an observer, Ambassador Patrick Murphy said, “We’re troubled to see prosecutors introduce fabricated conspiracy theories about the United States”.
He said the United States is closely following the trial and that the proceedings will have “potential implications” for the rule of law and due process in Cambodia as well as for the Southeast Asian country’s international relations.
Mr Murphy praised Kem Sokha as having a well-deserved reputation around the world as a champion for rights and freedoms.
“We look forward to seeing his political rights fully restored, just as we hope that all Cambodians can participate in the political process,” he said.
The ambassador also reiterated US denials that Washington had ever conspired with Kem Sokha to undermine the country’s leadership.
“My government has made it abundantly clear that the United States has never sought to interfere in Cambodia’s governance, and we fully support Cambodia’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Kem Sokha was president of the nowdisbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party when he was arrested in September 2017 on suspicion of attempting to topple the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen in conspiracy with a foreign power.
The charge is widely seen as politically motivated and part of a wide-ranging effort by the government to crack down on the opposition.