Cambodian lawmakers have approved a new law giving the government sweeping powers to revoke the citizenship of individuals accused of working with foreign countries or acting against national interests.
The legislation, passed on Monday by the National Assembly, says that citizenship can be stripped from anyone found guilty of “colluding with foreign nations,” threatening Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national security, or engaging in acts deemed harmful to state interests.
Only five lawmakers opposed the measure in the 125-seat chamber, which is firmly controlled by the Cambodian People’s Party of former strongman Hun Sen and his son, current Prime Minister Hun Manet.
A new committee led by Interior Minister Sar Sokha will decide who loses citizenship under the law. While the bill still requires approval from the Senate and the king, those steps are considered little more than formalities.
The move comes amid a continued crackdown on opposition figures. Many politicians, including Sam Rainsy and Mu Sochua of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, have fled the country in recent years to avoid arrest.
In June, Hun Sen — who ruled Cambodia for over three decades before handing power to his son in 2023 — argued that the country must act against citizens who “side with foreign nations.”
Ahead of the parliamentary vote, a coalition of 50 human rights organisations warned that the law could be used as a political weapon.
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