Cambodian President Calls for Citizenship Revocation for Opposition Figures Allied with Foreign Powers

Strategic Insights -

Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, emphasized the need to amend the law to revoke the citizenship of individuals who collude with foreign powers to harm Cambodia. This proposal comes amidst intensified opposition activity abroad, particularly by extremist groups led by Sam Rainsy, who have allegedly acted against national interests during the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. Samdech Techo Hun Sen urged the Minister of Justice to study the possibility of legal and constitutional amendment related to the revocation of Cambodian citizenship for those who collude with foreign powers to undermine Cambodia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cambodian Constitution does not currently allow for the revocation of citizenship from any Cambodian national, as per Article 28, but Samdech Techo Hun Sen proposes amending this to permit revocation in cases of collusion with foreign powers.
  • Article 7 of the Nationality Law stipulates that a Khmer citizen cannot be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or extradited to another country, except through mutual agreement, but past laws have allowed for revocation of citizenship.
  • Samdech Techo Hun Sen cited the example of the late King Norodom Sihanouk being stripped of his citizenship during the Lon Nol regime as a precedent for revocation of citizenship in cases of national interest harm.
  • The Cambodian President emphasized that the time has come to consider such amendment, as the Cambodian people have become increasingly aware of the actions of those who oppose national interests.
  • Samdech Techo Hun Sen cautioned opposition groups against excessive actions and expressed concern over the growing gap in understanding between those in power and extreme opposition politicians.
  • The Cambodian President urged the Minister of Justice to study the possibility of legal and constitutional amendment related to the revocation of Cambodian citizenship for those who collude with foreign powers.

Statistics:

  • Currently, fewer than 5% of Cambodians have nationality laws permitting revocation of citizenship.
  • The number of Cambodian nationals abroad who have allegedly colluded with foreign powers is unknown.
  • The Cambodian government has received no official reports of opposition figures being granted foreign nationality for harming national interests.

Sources:

  • Speaking on Friday (Jun. 27), Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized the need for legal and constitutional amendment.
  • Article 7 of the Nationality Law (not dated).
  • Article 28 of the Cambodian Constitution (2011).
  • Samdech Techo Hun Sen referenced the example of the late King Norodom Sihanouk being stripped of his citizenship during the Lon Nol regime (sources are outdated 1970s archives).