Cambodia Rejects Euro-MPs’ Pressure
Cambodia cannot break its own laws under pressure from outside, the government said after the European Parliament criticized its crackdown on the opposition.
- By Teng Yalirozy
- May 11, 2022 1:02 PM
Measures against activists ‘based on law’
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia cannot break its own laws under pressure from outside, the government said after the European Parliament criticized its crackdown on the opposition.
“Cambodia, as a sovereign and democratic state, acts on the basis of the Constitution and national law,” said Justice Ministry spokesman Chin Malin.
“We do not give up law enforcement just to please any group. We cannot do that.”
Malin was responding to an EU resolution on “the continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia” on May 5.
The EU Parliament condemned the prosecution of opposition politicians, unionists, human rights defenders, journalists, and environmentalists in Cambodia. The resolution was adopted by 526 votes in favor, with 5 against and 63 abstentions.
The parliament also condemned the dissolution of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2017 as well as the allegations leveled against Kem Sokha, and Sam Rainsy, both former opposition leaders, Mu Sochua, former CNRP vice president, and other opposition officials.
It called for the reform of the judiciary system in Cambodia and the immediate release of activist and political prisoners and of prisoners of conscience.
Malin said Cambodia respects national laws and is committed to upholding and preserving the interests of the nation as a whole. All legal measures are based on the Constitution and national laws.
When asked whether Cambodia considers releasing prisoners of conscience or political prisoners, Malin said law enforcement is common to all. Perpetrators, even activists, are not given privileges or immunity. If they commit crimes, they have to be punished and be responsible legally, he said.
“We are not able to waive the implementation of the Constitution to please anyone.”
Legal action against a group that violates the law is not a violation of the right to freedom of political activity, Malin said.
The National Assembly issued a statement on May 9 in response to the European Parliament, rejecting the resolution and denouncing the condemnation by the parliament.
“The resolution narrowly defines democracy and human rights as accepted only when there is the participation of a few former leftist and populist party leaders or when the court ruled dissolved political party is restored,” the statement read.
The National Assembly said the EU’s claim overlooked Cambodian laws. No privilege is granted to any individual or political party which has violated Cambodian laws, it said.
EBA pressure on upcoming election
In view of the communal election in June and national election in 2023, the European Parliament said it was concerned over Cambodia's human rights backsliding, with a growing crackdown on activists.
The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to closely monitor the elections.
If observers find evidence that the election is invalid and unjust, the Commission should be prepared to use all mechanisms affecting Cambodia.
These include the complete suspension of the EBA – Everything But Arms, the EU's trade agreement with the least developed countries –and other sanctions.
Government spokesperson Phay Siphan said that as a proud and independent nation, Cambodia was ready for the tariffs and that pressure on the country would not work.
“The European Union will withdraw the EBA from Cambodia if a Cambodian citizen can earn an average of $1,500 or more per year, which is beyond the red line,” he said.
Siphan criticized a handful of EU politicians for using the EBA to suppress Cambodian election and politics, which he said violates the conditions of the preferential trade system.
He meant that the withdrawal of the EBA from Cambodia is assessed due to the income of the Cambodian people to the level that requires the EU to withdraw the EBA. However, the pressure to withdraw EBA from Cambodia is seen to be politically motivated, he said.
The National Assembly said many measures were in place to guarantee that the election was free and fair, while the Cambodian law on political parties has been amended for the politicians who have been banned for carrying out the political activities to become involved again in politics.
“As a result, at least 32 of them have their political rights reinstated, and some of them have formed six new political parties to contest the election,” the Assembly said. “Other former officials of the leftist and populist party were unfortunately reluctant to seek reinstatement due to being branded traitors by the former leader of their party.”
In 2012, Sam Rainsy, and Kem Sokha of the Human Rights Party formed the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The CNRP was dissolved in 2017 and 118 of its senior officials were barred from any political involvement in the Kingdom for five years.
The CNRP was accused of the intent to topple the government with the help of the US in a so-called color revolution.
Sam Rainsy left Cambodia in 2016 after being accused of defamation and incitement for accusing Hun Sen's government of organizing the death of political activist Kem Ley, who was assassinated in July 2016 in Phnom Penh City.
Kem Sokha has been accused of conspiring with foreigners to overthrow the government since Sept. 2017. According to the Cambodian Penal Code, people charged with treason face between 15 and 30 years in prison. However, Sokha’s case has been drawn out for almost five years.
The EU also called on Cambodia's Prime Minister and administration to halt all types of intimidation and harassment, including legal harassment, of opposition members, trade unionists, human rights defenders, the media, and civil society groups.
Cambodia also scored low in political rights and civil liberties in 2022, ranking by the Freedom House. Cambodia scored 5 out of 40 in political rights and 19 out of 60 in civil liberties.
