Phnom Penh (FN), August 27 – At least seven members of the court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) were rehabilitated to re-enter politics, including Yem Ponharith, Muth Chantha, Chum Chandarin, Tuot Yoeut, Lat Lithey, Long Kimkhon and Yong Phannet, according to the royal decree dated 17 April 2021.

A total of 118 former CNRP officials were banned from engaging in political activities for five years when the Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP on 16 November 2017 for “attempting to overthrow the government through a colour revolution”.

To strengthen democracy and political space in the Kingdom, the government amended law on political party to pave ways for former opposition to re-engage in politics.

The amended Article 45 of law on political party allowed the banned individual to request for rehabilitations from the King through Prime Minister or Minister of Interior.

On 12 April, Thach Setha, lawmaker of the court-dissolved CNRP, was politically rehabilitated by Cambodian King at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

As of 17 April 2021, at least 22 of the banned CNRP politicians were rehabilitated, including former top advisor Kong Korm and lawmaker Kong Bora, rehabilitated on 15 January 2019; Sim Vanny on 2 March 2019; former Svay Rieng representative Real Khemarin on 18 March 2019; former CNRP lawmakers Ou Chanrath, Kang Kimhak, Chiv Kata, Tep Sothy, and former party board member Chan Seila were rehabilitated on 19 March 2019; former lawmaker Son Chhay, Tav Kim Chhorn, Var Samon, Sun Sopheak, Ly Srey Vyna, Thach Setha, Yem Ponharith, Muth Chantha, Chum Chandarin, Tuot Yoeut, Lat Lithey, Long Kimkhon and Yong Phannet.
=FRESH NEWS