A new law enacted by the Cambodian parliament gives the government the authority to deprive nationals who are suspected of conspiring with foreign forces of their citizenship.
Rights groups warn this law could silence critics, target minorities, and damage civil liberties. The bill still needs to pass the upper house and get approval from the head of state, but both are seen as formalities.
Parliament Approves the Law
On Monday, all 120 lawmakers in Cambodia’s National Assembly, including PM Hun Manet, voted in favour of the bill. No member opposed it. The law gives the government sweeping powers to revoke the citizenship of those it accuses of working with foreign governments.
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Rights Groups Warn of Misuse
Human rights groups fear the government could use the law to punish its critics. They argue that Cambodia already has a record of using strict laws to silence opposition voices.
A coalition of 50 rights groups released a joint statement before the vote. They warned: “The potential for abuse in the implementation of this vaguely worded law to target people based on their ethnicity, political opinions, speech, and activism is simply too high to accept.”
The groups also said the law could have a “catastrophic impact” on freedom of speech in Cambodia.
Fears of Government Power
Critics argue that the new law grants the government unchecked authority. “The government has many powers, but they should not have the power to decide who is and is not a Cambodian arbitrarily.”
This reflects worries that the law might be applied selectively to political opponents, activists, and critics.
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Next Steps Before Enforcement
The law must still go through the upper house and be signed by the head of state. But both steps are seen as routine, making their enforcement almost certain.
A Blow to Democracy?
Observers say Cambodia’s democratic space is shrinking. International groups have already accused the government of using laws to limit free debate. They worry that this new law will further frighten detractors and damage Cambodia’s reputation abroad.
The law might stifle voices advocating for reform in the nation and deter political activism if it were put into effect.
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