Opposition senators will boycott the plenary session on Thursday at which ruling Cambodian People’s Party lawmakers are expected to debate three controversial judicial draft laws that passed through the National Assembly unopposed last month.

In a letter dated yesterday, the permanent committee of the Senate said it would hold the session on Thursday to debate the bills which, if passed, would give the Justice Ministry and legislature greater power over the courts, including appointing officials

Hong Sochua, a Sam Rainsy Party senator, said all 11 opposition senators planned to boycott the session.

“There is no [consideration] on the input from NGOs and legal specialists. No debate from the opposition and little debate from the National Assembly,” he told the Post.

The International Commission of Jurists yesterday slammed the Senate announcement, calling for further public consultation on the draft laws.