Phnom Penh (FN), Sept. 20 – Cambodia’s Ministry of Justice said the repatriation plan of Sam Rainsy, former opposition leader in exile, aims to topple the government – a serious crime that affects national security, according to the press release of justice spokesperson dated Friday.

“Ministry of Justice has found out that the return of Sam Rainsy is not for the sake of democracy and human rights, but a plan to topple the Royal Government through incitement of hatred among people and armed forces under the image of violent movement. The above act is a serious crime which affects national security,” the press release stated.

Based on Cambodia’s laws, the Ministry of Justice examined that:

First, the plan to overthrow the Royal Government of Cambodia is a serious crime punishable under Articles 451 and 452 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years, and that if the perpetrator is a public servant, the sentencing must be life-time imprisonment.

Secondly, every person involved in this plan shall be guilty of ”conspiring", punished under Article 453 of the Penal Code; carries a sentence of between five and 10 years, and 10 to 20 years if the perpetrator is a public servant.

Third, the operation of all-level structure of the court-dissolved CNRP violated the Supreme Court Decision No. 340, dated 16 November 2017, Law on Political Parties, and Criminal Law of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Fourth, the above plan may also be contrary to the law on counterterrorism depending on the specific case.

Based on the legal background of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Ministry of Justice spokesman also requested all relevant authorities to take the most rigorous action on crimes against national security in order to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity of the country and happiness of people.

The Ministry of Justice also urged compatriots not to fall into the deceptive acts of criminals and to participate in fighting the above crimes by reporting to all competent authorities.
=FRESH NEWS