Cambodian politician Kem Sokha arrested for 'treason'

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Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha was arrested for treason at his home in Phnom Penh on Sunday, with the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen pointing the finger at his political rival.

The arrest marks a new escalation in a campaign against critics, independent media and any potential threats to Hun Sen’s hold on power ahead of an election next year at which Kem Sokha has been expected to be his main challenger.

The government said in a statement that it had a video clip and other evidence pointing to “secret plans of conspiracy between Kem Sokha, others and foreigners to harm the Kingdom of Cambodia.”

Kem Sokha, leader of Cambodia's main opposition party the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) /Reuters Photo

“The above act of this secret conspiracy is treason,” the statement said.

Hun Sen, 65, has ruled the Southeast Asian country for more than three decades.

Kem Sokha, 64, has led the main opposition party the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) since his predecessor resigned in February, saying he feared a government plan to shut it down.

Kem Sokha’s daughter, Monovithya Kem, who is also an official in the party, said on Twitter that her father had been taken away handcuffed after a raid by between 100 and 200 police officers, who had arrived without an arrest warrant.

“Kem Sokha whereabouts is still unknown,” she said on Twitter, after earlier saying he had been taken to city hall.

Cambodia's opposition leader and President of the National Rescue Party (CNRP) Kem Sokha /Reuters Photo

Kem Sokha made no immediate comment and it was not clear if he had legal representation at this stage.

Fresh News, a pro-government website, had said before Kem Sokha’s arrest that it had video of Kem Sokha discussing overthrowing Hun Sen with support from the United States.

Last month Hun Sen’s government stepped up attacks on the media, halting broadcasts by some radio stations and ordering an independent newspaper, The Cambodia Daily, to close if it did not pay a 6 million US dollar tax bill within days.

During Hun Sen’s rule Cambodia emerged from the devastating Khmer Rouge genocide to enjoy record years of economic growth of above 7 percent, although disaffection has been growing and he won the 2013 election against a unified opposition.

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Source(s): Reuters