CNRP Seeks King’s Help

[geovalin]

Opposition politicians submitted a petition signed by 170,000 supporters seeking Royal intervention yesterday after members of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) voted to allow the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to continue its prosecution of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Kem Sokha. All 68 members of the CPP, including Prime Minister Hun Sen, voted to allow continued legal action against Mr. Sokha, the CNRP’s acting president. Mr. Sokha was summoned to court for questioning twice in relation to a sex scandal that has already managed to ensnare five civil society workers, but has ignored each summons.

All 55 members of the CNRP boycotted the vote because they believe Mr. Sokha’s parliamentary immunity is being ignored, labelling the move a political witch-hunt. National Assembly President Heng Samrin announced yesterday morning that the CPP’s votes will give authorities the right to arrest Mr. Sokha.

During a press conference after the parliamentary session, National Assembly spokesman Leng Peng Long defended the decision, claiming the court’s recent procedures involving Mr. Sokha had neither violated the constitution nor any law because Mr. Sokha’s refusal to appear in court was a crime. Mr. Peng Long added that any politician found to have committed a crime would be removed from his position.

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/25572//