Deputy opposition leader Kem Sokha failed to present himself at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday for questioning over a prostitution case involving his alleged mistress, Khom Chandaraty.
It was the second time Mr. Sokha has ignored a court summons in the past six days, having failed to turn up for questioning in a related defamation case last week.
Deputy prosecutor Sieng Sok, who is in charge of the prostitution case, referred questions to prosecution spokesman Ly Sophanna.
“A court deputy prosecutor in charge of this case file is reviewing documents to find out what is the next procedure to be taken,” Mr. Sophanna said.
Justifying Mr. Sokha’s decision to stay away from court, the CNRP has said he should be immune from prosecution as a lawmaker and accused the government of playing politics by prosecuting the deputy party leader over his private life.
Two other CNRP lawmakers summoned in the prostitution case also refused to appear in court on Monday. CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann could not be reached.
