Cambodian PM decides not to close human rights group founded by jailed opposition leader

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Saturday that the government had decided not to shut down the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), a NGO founded by jailed opposition leader Kem Sokha.

The prime minister said the decision was made after the CCHR provided a clear explanation about its human rights activities and the Ministry of Interior found that this center had not involved in any offences.

"After receiving a statement along with a request from the CCHR, the government decided to keep this center open, allowing it to continue its human rights activities in Cambodia," he was quoted as saying by the government-aligned media, Fresh News.

Hun Sen gave the CCHR a reprieve just a week after he ordered a probe into the center, saying that it "must close" because it was established 15 years ago by Kem Sokha at the behest of a foreign power.

Kem Sokha, 64, was arrested on Sept. 3 and charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with a foreign power in an attempt to overthrow the government. He is currently imprisoned awaiting trial on treason charge, a crime that faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

On Nov. 16, the Supreme Court dissolved Kem Sokha's Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) for its involvement in his treasonous acts. The dissolution left 55 CNRP lawmakers and 5,007 commune councilors jobless. Enditem