Cambodia to block opposition leader from returning

By Lauren Crothers

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AA) – Cambodia’s self-exiled opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, would be refused re-entry to the country should he attempt to follow through on recent suggestions that he would return, it was reported Saturday.

The Cambodia Daily said a letter, drafted Oct. 12 by an official from the country’s Council of Ministers, orders the immigration department to thwart any attempt by Rainsy to come back to Cambodia.

Rainsy was abroad a year ago when a years-old defamation case against him was reignited.

He has stayed abroad ever since to avoid the two-year prison sentence in that case.

His last bout of exile ended mid-2013, just weeks before the national elections, after he was offered an amnesty.

Over the past week, Rainsy has said he would return and face the latest sentence on the condition that nearly 20 political prisoners and human rights activists are released from prison -- a suggestion that has been shot down by the ruling party and mocked by his own party’s deputy director of public affairs, Kem Monovithya.

On Saturday, the Daily said the letter referenced a meeting held among aviation and immigration officials in which it had been decided that any incoming airlines bearing Rainsy would be diverted or forbidden from allowing him to board altogether.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party’s spokesman Yim Sovann told Anadolu Agency on Saturday that as a Cambodian, Rainsy “has the right to come at any time”.

“It’s an inconsistency between the court ruling and the government response,” Sovann said. “The court says he is sentenced to prison and fined, but they are not allowing him to come to Cambodia [to serve that sentence].”

Asked if there was any discord among party members as regards what Rainsy should do, Sovann said the standing committee’s decision for Rainsy to remain in exile stands.

“Even if there was some difference, the majority prevails.”