Cambodia Amends Constitution, Sparking Criticism Over Citizenship Revocation

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (AP) – On July 11th, Cambodian lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment permitting the government to draft legislation to revoke the citizenship of individuals guilty of conspiring with foreign nations against national interests. The 125-member National Assembly unanimously passed the amendment to Article 33 of Cambodia’s constitution last Friday, paving the way for the government to introduce a bill to strip individuals of their citizenship.

Critics see the move, supported by allies of Prime Minister Hun Manet, as an effort to silence internal dissent and eliminate political adversaries of his administration and the ruling Cambodian People's Party. The amendment applies to lifelong Cambodian citizens, those with dual nationality, and foreign nationals granted Cambodian citizenship. Notably, some government critics and opposition figures hold dual citizenship.

Justice Minister Koeut Rith announced plans to swiftly draft a bill targeting anyone found guilty of treason or collaboration with foreign entities to significantly harm Cambodia's interests. His declaration hints at the May 28th clash between Cambodian and Thai armed forces, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier in a disputed border area.

This development follows Thailand's Constitutional Court's recent suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over an ethics investigation related to a leaked call with Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen. The call led to political turmoil in Thailand amid dissatisfaction over Paetongtarn's handling of the conflict. In response, Cambodia has sought intervention from the International Court of Justice in The Hague over the border dispute involving historic temple sites.

Hun Sen prompted the constitutional change after advocating for legal measures in response to criticism from opposition figures. He and Hun Manet cited similar laws in 150 out of nearly 200 UN member states, including the United States. At a public gathering, Hun Manet reassured loyal citizens: “Please don't be concerned if you are a patriot and do not oppose the interests of the country. But if you have conspired with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia, then, yes, it is true you should be worried, and in such a case, you are not a Cambodian.”

Amnesty International expressed alarm that the amendment could render critics of the government stateless. “Judicial independence is key to safeguarding people's rights, including the right to nationality and reversing a culture of impunity,” stated Montse Ferrer, Regional Research Director.

Former opposition leader Sam Rainsy, a prominent opponent of Hun Sen now in exile, criticized Hun Sen’s approach, calling it a volatile mixture of personal and political maneuvering. “Hun Sen's anti-Thai rhetoric is nothing more than a political smokescreen,” Rainsy argued, suggesting that the border dispute serves as a distraction from Thailand's efforts to dismantle Chinese-run cyber-scam operations on the border, funding the current regime.

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