Three widely condemned laws concerning the operation of the Kingdom’s judiciary were officially signed into effect by King Norodom Sihamoni last month, according to recent copies of the Royal Book.

The laws on the Supreme Council of Magistracy, the organisation of the courts and the roles of judges and prosecutors were universally slammed outside of the ruling party for erasing the wall between the executive and judicial branches.

Nonetheless, the Royal Book says that on July 16, the King signed off on “the use of [the laws] that the National Assembly has approved on May 23…and [which were] completely approved by the Senate on June 12, and [in] the announcement from the Constitutional Council on the 2nd of July”.

Opposition spokesman Yim Sovann said yesterday that CNRP lawmakers will review the laws soon once in parliament, “and if it does not benefit the nation, we will request an amendment”.