Acting head of state Say Chhum promulgated the controversial state of emergency legislation into law on Wednesday, despite severe concerns over its ability to abuse citizens’ human rights and freedoms.
The Royal Decree dated April 29 announced the promulgation which was signed by Say Chhum because King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath are on a medical visit to China.
The draft legislation has been criticized by domestic and international rights groups for giving the government sweeping powers to curtail civil rights and liberties, such as freedom of movement, expression, association, and assembly – all enshrined in the Cambodian Constitution.
