Cambodia Amends Constitution: Risks of Citizenship Revocation for Political Dissenters
TL/DR –
The Cambodian constitution has been amended by lawmakers to authorize the revocation of citizenship from individuals believed to be colluding with foreign powers. The move, approved by 125 politicians in the National Assembly, has been met with disapproval from rights groups who fear it could be utilized against political rivals. Justice Minister Koeut Rith has reaffirmed that a related citizenship revocation bill will be quickly introduced to parliament, while critics including Amnesty International have raised concerns about potential misuse of this power to quash governmental critics.
Human rights advocates fear that the newly approved constitutional change in Cambodia might be used to target political rivals.
Cambodian lawmakers have modified the country’s constitution, paving the way for legislation that could revoke citizenship from those perceived as colluding with foreign powers.
The unanimous constitutional alteration, supported by 125 National Assembly politicians, received backlash from human rights groups over concerns it could be misused against political adversaries.
The administration intends to promptly implement this amendment, according to the government.
Justice Minister Koeut Rith affirmed a forthcoming bill concerning citizenship revocation that will soon be presented before parliament. “If you betray the nation, the nation will not keep you,” he announced, dismissing apprehensions towards the move.
The justice minister reassured that only those harming national interests would risk losing their citizenship, but could possibly “face other charges”.
Prior to the amendment, the Khmer citizens could only lose their citizenship “through mutual agreement”. The adjusted Article 33 now asserts that “receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law”.
Amnesty International criticized the change, calling on the global community to confront Cambodia over this decision.
Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s regional research director, warns that opposition to the ruling party could now potentially lead to citizenship removal.
“We have serious concerns that the Cambodian government will exploit this power to suppress critics and render them stateless.”
Hun Sen, the powerful former Cambodian Prime Minister, sought this constitutional change last month, following external opposition figures criticizing the government over its ongoing border conflict with Thailand.
Ex-opposition leader Sam Rainsy, living in exile to evade incarceration, was one named by Hun Sen as being against the nation’s interest.
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