Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 9 – Interior Minister Sar Kheng warned of continued measures against groups involved with or supported former opposition leader Sam Rainsy's plot to overthrow the legitimate government.
Sar Kheng said that the authority’s actions are solely legal implementation,; thus, not threatening political rights nor freedom of expression, speaking to the press on Wednesday at the 2nd Mandate General Assembly of National Association of Municipal-provincial Council.
“If they follow what Sam Rainsy declared, it is illegal. We arrest them, for they violate the laws like insulting king, staging a coup, and held illegal gathering; we are not threatening their political rights nor freedom of expression; they pass the line,” said Sar Kheng.
Over the past days, several people were consecutively arrested on the charge of “conspiring” to overthrow the government.
Ministry of Justice Spokesperson Kim Santepheap, on late Friday, urged any individuals who are currently in the plot to overthrow the government to step back; and report to authority in order to receive amnesty in accordance to Article 454 of the penal code.
“To be pardoned from the charge of [conspiring], a person must confess prior to accusation,” said Santepheap following the announcement of ex-CNRP’s nine fingers campaign.
The dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has announced the launching of the “nine fingers” campaign – supporting former opposition leader Sam Rainsy to return to Cambodia on 9 November following years of exile.
“From today until 9 November, we must raise nine fingers to show support for November 9 at every meeting and greeting,” former CNRP senior official Ho Vann posted on Facebook on 23 September 2019.
Prime Minister Hun Sen warned that anyone joining the campaign means conspiring to topple the government, which is a serious crime to be punished intolerably.
“Those who plan to join campaign to destroy peace on 9 November will be sentenced,” the premier warned.
The premier also informed that those who involved in the plot to topple the government must not think the government is violating their rights.
“You pass the red line; you must be sentenced intolerably,” he warned, while urging Minister of National Defense Tea Banh to eliminate rebel Sam Rainsy, as it is the duty of the armed forces.
=FRESH NEWS
