Phnom Penh, Aug 25 (AP) — On Monday, Cambodian lawmakers passed a controversial bill empowering the government to revoke citizenship from individuals found guilty of colluding with foreign nations against national interests. The legislation, an amendment to the Nationality Law, was unanimously approved by all 120 present members of the National Assembly, and has faced significant criticism for its potential to suppress dissent and restrict political opposition to Prime Minister Hun Manet and the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
In anticipation of the vote, 50 Cambodian non-governmental organizations expressed profound concern over the bill's "vaguely written" provisions, citing fears that it would "disastrously chill" freedom of speech. “This new amendment to the Nationality Law risks stripping all Cambodians of their identities due to activism. Losing citizenship means losing the basis for all rights in our home country," articulated their statement. The bill now awaits approval from Cambodia's Senate and King Norodom Sihamoni, steps that are typically procedural.
Despite Cambodia's status as an electoral democracy, the Cambodian People's Party holds 120 of the 125 National Assembly seats and exerts significant governmental control. The legislation's passage occurs amidst rising nationalism following a border conflict with Thailand which ended after a tentative ceasefire in late July.
Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Sokha addressed lawmakers, stressing that the law would foster national pride amidst what he described as ongoing aggression from Thailand. He asserted that certain citizens were engaging in activities harmful to national security and interests, suggesting that such individuals should not be eligible for Cambodian citizenship. The law targets lifelong Cambodian citizens, dual nationals, and naturalized citizens.
Prominent critics of the government and opposition figures often hold dual citizenship, and both Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen—who resigned as prime minister in 2023 after a lengthy tenure—have actively leveraged legal maneuvers against the opposition, with the judiciary seen as being heavily partisan. In 2017, the Cambodia National Rescue Party was disbanded following government accusations of foreign collusion, leading to the arrest and treason conviction of its leader, Kem Sokha, on charges of conspiring with the United States.
While numerous countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation, they generally apply under narrowly defined circumstances. Hun Manet, addressing constituents in July, remarked that approximately 150 out of nearly 200 United Nations member states possess similar statutes, including the United States.
“There is no reason for concern if you are a patriot who supports our country's interests. However, those colluding with foreign powers against Cambodia have valid cause for worry,” said Hun Manet. “No genuine patriot would conspire with foreign entities to undermine their nation.” (AP) SKS ZH ZH
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