Phnom Penh (FN), August 22 – Phnom Penh Municipal Court, on Wednesday, ordered former opposition leader Sam Rainsy to clarify on 13 September 2018 a case he was charged with insulting His Majesty.

Rainsy, on 18 May 2018, accused the royal letter a forgery, which was widely considered an insult.

The exiled former opposition party leader wrote on Facebook on 6 June 2018: “King's letter urging people to go to vote: a forgery or a piece made under duress thus legally worthless".

His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, issued a royal letter dated May 18 calling on Khmer compatriots to vote in the general election 2018. His Majesty wrote: “The 6th Mandate National Assembly Election will take place on 29 July 2018. On this occasion, I would like to call for all people to vote and to elect their national leaders in favors for the development and prosperity.”

According to Cambodian criminal code, insulting His Majesty is subject to a one to five years imprisonment, and a fine of $2,500 to $12,500 and other additional punishments.
=FRESH NEWS