At least 10 opposition activists have now “confessed” and been forgiven for having supported acting party leader Sam Rainsy’s planned return to the country on November 9, the Justice Ministry said on Tuesday, while government-aligned Fresh News released a video of 50 others in Svay Rieng province disavowing the party.
About 40 activists have been arrested in relation to the promised return, most of them charged with “plotting” to overthrow the government. More than 70 in total have been charged since Rainsy announced his plan on August 16.
Senior leaders of the CNRP have have vowed to return on Cambodia’s Independence Day after having fled the country following the forced dissolution of their party in late 2017. The government has warned that anyone supporting the return will face legal consequences.
