Cambodian PM warns to arrest deputy opposition leader after court issues order

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Wednesday that he will order forces directly to arrest deputy opposition leader and lawmaker Kem Sokha when the court issues an order.

Kem Sokha has been holed up inside his Cambodia National Rescue Party's headquarters here since May 26 when police attempted to arrest him for ignoring court summonses in a prostitution case involving his alleged mistress. He was charged with "refusal to appear," which could face a prison term of between one and six months if convicted.

"Even though you do not come out, one day, you will be taken out," Hun Sen said in a speech during the 65th founding anniversary of the Department of Customs and Excise. "Do not expect any pardon."

The prime minister said that when the court issues an order, he will order security forces by himself to arrest Kem Sokha.

"I'd like to reiterate that do not misconstrue individual mistakes as political issues between party and party," he said.

He also warned foreign countries not to interfere in Cambodia's internal affairs and not to use their aid to put pressure on Cambodia.

The prime minister's remarks came after Kem Sokha told a foreign media outlet last week that "Hun Sen is scared of losing the 2018 election." Endit