Cambodian PM defends arrest of opposition lawmaker

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday defended the arrest of opposition lawmaker Um Sam An, saying that the lawmaker was caught in the act of committing a crime.

Speaking during a visit to the Development Center for Disabled Veterans in northwestern Siem Reap province, the premier said Um Sam An has posted messages to his Facebook page, accusing the government of using fake border map with Vietnam.

"Until now, the message was still on his Facebook page," Hun Sen said. "He was caught in the act of committing a crime."

He said the map the government using was enshrined in the Constitution, ratified by the National Assembly and endorsed by the nation's king.

"You said the map is fake, I arrested you immediately regardless of your parliamentary immunity because your behavior has jeopardized the nation," the premier said.

Meanwhile, he renewed his order to the authorities allowing them to immediately arrest anyone who accused the government of using fake map.

Um Sam An, a lawmaker from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was arrested early Monday morning in northwestern Siem Reap province shortly after he returned from the United States, where he had lived in self-exile since July last year.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Top Chhun Heng on Tuesday charged the lawmaker with two counts -- inciting discrimination and chaos to social security, said Som Sokong, defense lawyer for Um Sam An, adding that he could face up to five years in prison if convicted. Enditem