Cambodia passes law allowing stripping of citizenship
Cambodia passes law allowing stripping of citizenship / Reuters
4 hours ago
Cambodia’s parliament has passed a controversial law granting authorities the power to revoke citizenship from individuals deemed to have harmed the nation’s interests, officials confirmed Monday.
The new legislation, endorsed by the National Assembly, allows the government to strip naturalised or dual citizens of their nationality if they are convicted of acts considered a threat to the state, including treason, terrorism, or serious criminal offences.
Interior Ministry officials said the law aims to “protect national security and sovereignty,” but critics argue it could be used to target dissidents and political opponents.
Rights groups voiced concern that the measure provides broad and vague definitions of what constitutes harm to the state, raising the risk of abuse. “This law could become another tool to silence critics and consolidate power,” warned a Phnom Penh-based rights advocate.
The amendment comes amid increasing international scrutiny of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s government, which has faced accusations of suppressing opposition voices since last year’s general elections.
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Cambodia passes law allowing stripping of citizenship
Cambodia passes law allowing stripping of citizenship / Reuters
4 hours ago
Cambodia’s National Assembly has approved a new law that enables the government to revoke the citizenship of people accused of undermining the country’s interests, officials announced Monday.
The legislation permits authorities to withdraw nationality from dual nationals or naturalised citizens found guilty of crimes such as treason, terrorism, or other acts considered a threat to national security.
According to the Interior Ministry, the measure is intended to safeguard Cambodia’s sovereignty. But rights groups say the law’s sweeping language could be used to punish critics and political opponents.
Human rights advocates warned that the amendment provides vague definitions of what constitutes a threat, leaving space for arbitrary enforcement. “This opens the door to stripping dissidents of their nationality as a political weapon,” said one activist in Phnom Penh.
The move comes as Prime Minister Hun Manet’s government faces growing scrutiny abroad over its handling of opposition parties and civil society following last year’s elections.
