‘I’m taking my chances’: few Cambodian opposition lawmakers remain as Prime Minister Hun Sen’s crackdown sparks exodus

Ruling government has said there could be more arrests linked to an alleged plot to oust the three-decade-long ruler

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Supporters of Kem Sokha, jailed leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, rally outside the country’s Appeal Court. According to opposition lawmakers, a large number of CNRP members have fled the country fearing a crackdown on dissent by Prime Minister Hun Sen. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:32pm, 30 Sep 2017Updated: 10:48pm, 30 Sep 2017

Around half the opposition members of Cambodia’s parliament have left the country in fear of a crackdown by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government, a deputy party leader said.

The leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha, was arrested on September 3 and charged with treason for an alleged plot to take power with help from the United States.

The government has said there could be more arrests linked to the alleged plot, which the opposition has dismissed as a ploy to ensure Hun Sen keeps his more than three-decade hold on power in next year’s general election.

Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has a slim majority in the 123-member parliament, which voted on September 11 to allow the prosecution of Kem Sokha in a vote boycotted by opposition members.

Opposition party lawmakers, Mu Sochua and Cheam Channy join supporters of jailed Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Kem Sokha at the country’s Court of Appeals. Photo: AP

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