Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday (Oct 2) threatened to arrest supporters of his nemesis Sam Rainsy if they mobilise for the opposition figurehead’s much-trumpeted return from self-exile next month.
Rainsy, who has lived in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he insists are politically motivated, has promised a dramatic return on Nov 9, Cambodia’s Independence Day.
Seeking to maintain his support base after years outside the country, Rainsy has urged supporters – including among the armed forces – to unite to topple Mr Hun Sen and restore democracy to the poor South-east Asian nation.