Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Five-year ban on ex-CNRP officials’ political rights expires

Five-year ban on ex-CNRP officials’ political rights expires

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Supporters of former CNRP party gathered in front of the CNRP headquarters in Phnom Penh in 2016. Hong Menea

Five-year ban on ex-CNRP officials’ political rights expires

With the Supreme Court's five-year ban on their engagement in politics having reached its expiration date, the remainder of the 118 former senior officials from the now-defunct Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) – who have not applied for and received "rehabilitation" – have now had their political rights restored.

The Supreme Court imposed the ban after dissolving the CNRP in 2017. In the years since then, some of the officials have requested and been granted "rehabilitation" – an early restoration of their rights based on their good conduct and contrition – and have then gone on to found new parties, take on official party roles and run for the top office.

In addition to the dissolution, former CNRP president Kem Sokha was charged with treason under Article 443 of the Criminal Code and placed in custody in Trapeang Phlong prison in Tbong Khmum province before his release on bail. Sokha’s lengthy trial – prolonged by the pandemic and other factors – is set to wrap up in December.

Supreme Court spokesman Ouk Kimsith recalled that the ex-CNRP officials’ rights to engage in politics had been officially suspended from November 16, 2017 to November 16, 2022.

“In principle, we need to abide by this judgment, meaning that this ban has come to an end. However, when considering its implementation for each individual, only those who have not been carrying out illegal activities and have not had any criminal charges or convictions in that period can freely engage in politics again," he confirmed to The Post on November 17.

He noted that in principle, the Supreme Court did not issue written notices regarding the termination of these suspensions, but the parties involved in the case could request confirmation of the judgment.

Sam Sokong, the defence lawyer for former CNRP members and activists, agreed that legally, after five years, the banned ex-CNRP officials have the right to resume politics.

However, he said there are two caveats: First, there are those who were banned from politics for five years and still have other active cases against them, such as Kem Sokha. Second, there are those who were not officially banned but have been convicted since then or are subject to arrest warrants.

“Once the five-year period expires, those under the ban regain the right to resume politics without having to have documents from the authorities or orders from the court. They now have their full and autonomous rights.

“But some of the ex-CNRP leaders have not been in Cambodia. They are living abroad and all of them are subject to other lawsuits over crimes like incitement or plotting against the government.

“The court prosecuted some of those cases, while others have legal procedures ongoing,” he said, adding that the individuals in those situations should not assume an automatic restoration of their rights without first resolving the outstanding complaints against them.

The dissolution of the CNRP in 2017 resulted in the forfeiture of 55 seats in the National Assembly, 489 commune council chief positions and 5,007 commune council member seats.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not