Members of the Cambodian diaspora protest the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperation in South Korea on August 11. Facebook
The Ministry of Justice issued a stern warning that efforts to incite opposition to the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperation are part of a broader scheme to instigate a colour revolution aimed at overthrowing the government.
It said those involved in such activities will face prosecution for "plotting”, a crime that carries a prison sentence of five to 10 years.
In a statement dated August 13, the ministry's spokesperson unit explained that any attempt to overthrow the government through means other than elections – which are fundamental to a multi-party liberal democracy – constitutes a severe crime.
It said such acts would be punishable under the charge of "attack", as specified in Articles 451 and 452 of the Criminal Code, with penalties ranging from 15 to 30 years in prison. For public officials involved in these crimes, the punishment is life imprisonment.
"All individuals participating in this [endeavour] will be charged with the crime of plotting, a serious offence stipulated and punishable under Article 453 of the Criminal Code, with a sentence of five to 10 years in prison. If the offenders are public officials, the sentence increases to 10 to 20 years,” it read.
The statement comes in response to widespread opposition to the CLV-DTA by some Cambodian citizens, who have expressed concerns that the cooperation could result in Cambodia losing territory, particularly to Vietnam, despite repeated government assurances to the contrary.
While domestic protests against the CLV-DTA have waned following government explanations and the arrest of several individuals, demonstrations have persisted abroad, particularly in countries with significant Cambodian expatriate populations, such as South Korea, Australia and Japan.
These groups held protests last Sunday, August 11, and are planning further demonstrations this weekend, demanding the government withdraw from the cooperation agreement.
Additionally, some individuals have used the situation to call for a revolt to overthrow the government, citing examples from other countries like Bangladesh.
Senate president Hun Sen, who initiated the cooperation with his Lao and Vietnamese counterparts in 1999, reiterated on August 12 that Cambodia will not withdraw from the CLV-DTA, emphasising that the agreement is intended to develop the country’s own territory.
He explained that the CLV-DTA is merely an infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic development in the region and does not involve any loss of territory.
Hun Sen also urged opponents of the cooperation not to compare this situation with the recent protests that led to the ousting of the Bangladeshi leader.
According to the ministry spokesperson unit, individuals involved in "plotting" against the project will be granted immunity from prosecution if they confess to the authorities and cooperate in dismantling the crime group.
The ministry also called on all relevant law enforcement agencies to take the strictest and most rigorous measures against crimes that threaten national security, in order to ensure the protection and maintenance of national security, social stability and the country's sovereignty.
“It is imperative not to allow extremist political forces to destroy the peace of the country and the well-being of the Cambodian people,” the statement read.
The ministry urged citizens not to fall for the deceptive tactics of the "masterminds of the colour revolution movement”.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), stated that the debate over the CLV-DTA has intensified in recent days. He called on all parties, including protesters, supporters of the cooperation and authorities, to reduce tensions and focus on further explaining the project to demonstrate the government’s transparency.
"Citizens should find ways to engage by offering input or recommendations to the government to address their concerns about the CLV-DTA. One method that hasn't been utilized is the National Assembly mechanism.
“If there is a parliamentary debate where citizens use this platform to have government officials provide explanations, I believe tensions will ease," he said.
He also expressed support for Prime Minister Hun Manet's encouragement for citizens to visit the area. He believes that doing so will provide people with a clearer understanding of the cooperation, which could help reduce opposition to the project.
