Cambodia Labels Acting Opposition Chief Sam Rainsy’s Planned Return a ‘Coup,’ Vows to Jail Supporters

Cambodia’s Ministry of Justice on Friday labeled acting opposition chief Sam Rainsy’s planned return from self-imposed exile in November part of a “coup,” vowing to jail supporters from the general public for “15-30 years” and government officials for life.

“Those who take part in the plan to stage a coup and topple the government will be prosecuted and face 15-30 years [in prison], and if the suspects are officials, they will be sentenced to life in jail,” the ministry said in a statement, referring to an announcement by the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) that Sam Rainsy will travel to Cambodia to lead a “restoration of democracy” in the country.

“The spokesman of the Ministry of Justice urges authorities at all levels to take strict measures against criminals to protect social stability,” the statement said.

In full: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/coup-09202019173334.html

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