Meas Sokchea and Vong Sokheng

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy yesterday accused the ruling Cambodian People’s Party of launching a “constitutional coup” by stripping him of his parliamentary immunity after a court issued a warrant for his arrest last week

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Despite earlier promises, Rainsy has remained abroad since the issuance of the warrant – which seeks to implement a two-year prison sentence for defaming Foreign Minister Hor Namhong in 2008 – saying he was allowing time to negotiate a peaceful solution to the matter.

But yesterday’s strongly worded comments came just as the Cambodia National Rescue Party leader was offered a thorny choice by an unofficial intermediary that could potentially allow for his return to Cambodia.

Soy Sopheap, an influential media baron who has helped negotiate political settlements in the past, said yesterday that he told the CNRP that, should Rainsy return to face the court, he could be offered a reduced sentence.

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Interactive: Rainsy on trial

Daniel Nass

Interesting slides show explaining the full story:

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/interactive-rainsy-trial