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Cambodian opposition leader loses parliamentary immunity

Xinhua, November 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Cambodia's National Assembly announced on Monday that opposition leader Sam Rainsy has entirely lost his parliamentary immunity after the Appeal Court issued a final verdict against him over a defamation charge.

Rainsy has completely lost his right, "privilege and membership as a lawmaker in the fifth legislature," according to a statement signed by National Assembly President Heng Samrin.

Chheang Vun, ruling Cambodian People's Party lawmaker and parliament spokesman, said Sam Rainsy would be arrested if he returned to Cambodia because the 2013 Appeal Court verdict had deprived him of his immunity as a lawmaker.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Friday issued an arrest warrant for Sam Rainsy, president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), over an old defamation case.

Sam Rainsy was charged with defamation after he alleged Foreign Minister Hor Namhong of serving for the former Democratic Kampuchea in a speech at the Choeung Ek Museum in Phnom Penh on April 17, 2008, according to the warrant signed by deputy Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutor Sy Vanny.

He was convicted in absent on the charge, sentenced to two years in prison by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in April 2011, and the conviction was upheld by the Appeal Court in 2013. Since then, he has not served his prison term yet, the warrant said.

CNRP spokesman Yem Ponhearith told local media on Sunday that Sam Rainsy, who is currently in South Korea, is expected to return to Cambodia late Monday night, despite the arrest warrant awaiting him. Enditem