Kem Sokha clearly announced in a Phnom Penh court on Wednesday that he had no connection with CNRP co-founder Sam Rainsy anymore, marking the most clear fissure between the two opposition figures.
On-trial opposition leader Kem Sokha on Wednesday morning questioned his treason trial’s turn to associating him with his CNRP co-founder Sam Rainsy.
Kem Sokha’s legal team continued to demand that the prosecution specify which countries he had conspired with to overthrow the government, adding there was no evidence so far to support charges against the opposition leader.
Standing in the municipal court dock on Wednesday, Kem Sokha said he would never run away from the people no matter what difficulties he faced — an apparent dig at his CNRP co-founder Sam Rainsy, who lives in exile in France.
Prosecutors and government plaintiff lawyers declined to specify a country, organization or individual behind opposition leader Kem Sokha’s alleged “conspiracy with a foreign power” during his trial hearing on Wednesday.
A Muslim youth leader was confirmed as the next CPP Kampong Cham lawmaker, replacing the late Hun Neng. Kem Sokha’s prolonged trial completed its 39th hearing on Wednesday.
The European Union Parliament last Thursday condemned the political persecution faced by Cambodian opposition parties ahead of elections in June and 2023, even suggesting the possibility of a full EBA suspension if the balloting was not free and fair. Former CNRP president Kem Sokha paid his respects to Prime Minister Hun Sen at the funeral of the latter’s brother, Hun Neng.
Human rights officials who were convicted of bribing the alleged lover of an opposition leader brought their case to the Appeal Court on Thursday, calling for the woman, who filed the complaint against them, to testify.
A judge continued to question Kem Sokha over procedures and result of the 2013 national election, as the treason trial completed the 38th hearing in the protracted criminal case.
Defense lawyers for treason-accused opposition leader Kem Sokha will ask foreign country representatives to appear in court and answer questions about allegations that Sokha conspired with foreign powers.
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