Bid to Strip CNRP Duo’s Immunity

[geovalin]

The Justice Ministry on Friday asked the National Assembly (NA) to strip the immunity of two members of the opposition allegedly involved in a prostitution case related to Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) acting president Kem Sokha. The request comes despite such a measure’s passage needing a two-thirds majority vote in parliament, which the country’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is unable to secure without bipartisan support. Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vathana made the request in a letter addressed to NA Chairman Heng Samrin in accordance with a request from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

The request, attached to a fact-finding statement on the statute governing elected politicians, urges the immunity of CNRP members To Vann Chan and Pin Ratana be stripped for the alleged violation of article 284 of the Penal Code. Each man could face between two and five years in prison and fines between $1,000 and $2,500 if found guilty.

They are accused of organizing two sexual rendezvous in Thailand between Mr. Sokha and his alleged mistress, Khom Chandaraty, according to the ministry’s fact-finding statement, which adds that Ms. Chandaraty was allegedly promised $3,000 for each rendezvous, but only received $300 and $400 respectively.

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