The legal team for imprisoned opposition leader Kem Sokha filed a request yesterday for their client to be temporarily transferred to Singapore for medical treatment.

One of Sokha’s lawyers, Meng Sopheary, claimed Sokha is suffering from a painful pinched blood vessel in addition to other ailments, while awaiting trial in Tbong Khmum’s Trapaing Phlong prison. Concerns about Sokha’s health have been discussed ever since the political leader was arrested on widely decried charges of “treason” in September.

His party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was forcibly dissolved shortly thereafter.

His doctors and lawyers have previously said that he suffers from irregular blood pressure and diabetes.

Before his arrest, Sokha was reportedly told that he may require surgery by his doctor in Singapore. “The doctor in Singapore recommended that Kem Sokha get an operation . . . Back then, his condition had not worsened yet,”

Sopheary said. “There are no specialised doctors and not enough equipment for treating him [in prison].”

Sopheary said the court should consider granting him temporary leave, because “if his health becomes worse that will affect the investigation of the court”. She continued that Sokha has “guaranteed” he will not flee, and will return to the court willingly.

Representatives from the court could not be reached yesterday, but Sokha’s previous requests for bail have repeatedly been denied.