Lawmakers recently approved a new bill. It gives the government power to take away citizenship from anyone seen as “conspiring with foreigners.” This move immediately sparked alarm among human rights groups. They worry it will be used to silence people who disagree with the government.
Every single one of the 120 members in the National Assembly voted yes. This included Prime Minister Hun Manet. Critics have long said that the government often uses strict laws. These laws aim to control the opposition and justify political actions. This new law adds another tool to their belt.
A group of 50 human rights organizations spoke out on Sunday. They warned that the law uses unclear language. This makes it dangerous. They said it “will have serious effects on everyone’s freedom to speak.” The groups added that the law could easily be used to target people. This might be because of their race, political views, or what they say online. “The government has a lot of power,” their statement read. “But it shouldn’t be able to just decide who is or isn’t a citizen.” The bill still needs approval from the upper house and the head of state before it becomes official.
This new law follows a change to the country’s constitution last month. Before, the constitution made it clear that citizenship was a sure thing. But the new change allows for rules about “obtaining, losing, and revoking Cambodian citizenship.” Justice Minister Ky Rith explained the government’s stance. “If you betray the nation, the nation will not keep you,” he told reporters after the vote.
Amnesty International called the bill a “serious violation of international law.” Montse Ferrer, who leads research for the region, said this is happening while the government fails to protect its courts. She believes this allows the government to keep up its harsh practices. This includes going after opposition leaders, activists, and reporters who try to work independently.
In the past, many opposition figures have faced legal trouble. For example, opposition leader Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years in jail in 2023. He was accused of treason, a charge he has always denied. He is now under house arrest. This history makes the new law feel even more concerning for those watching civil liberties.
Source: CNA