Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 1 — Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen announced on Sunday the restrictions on the requests of political rehabilitation from some former leaders of the dissolved opposition party CNRP who were banned from engaging in political activities.

“In the past, the submitted request was signed immediately, but from now on, it must be put under a review. Otherwise, wait until November 2022," stated the premier.

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.

Samdech added that as the prime Minister, he has the right to and not to submit the request the King for the political rehabilitation.

"If the person [former CNRP leaders] does not commit any crimes, we will grant him the political rehabilitation. Now the request will be under strict review. We can feel whether a person has an intention to destroy the nation," the premier underlined.

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”.

As of July 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, Pol Horm, and Phan Chansak.
=FRESH NEWS