Cambodia: CNRP Vice President banned from leaving the country

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court has banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Vice President and MP Kem Sokha from leaving the country after he was accused of "refusing to appear" in court following a summons related to a lawsuit filed by his alleged lover.

Mr. Kem Sokha, Vice President of CNRP. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

According to the order signed by Mr. Thann Leng, Investigating Judge of Phnom Penh Municipal Court, on July 8 and announced in the media on July 14, Mr. Kem Sokha will "not be allowed to leave the territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia."

The order requires the authorities to closely monitor Mr. Kem Sokha, notify the court in case he violates the order, and says he will be temporarily detained if he intends to disobey the order.

On May 26, a Cambodian court asked the police to arrest Mr. Kem Sokha after he twice refused to appear in court (on May 17 and May 25).

The court charged Mr. Sokha with failing to comply with a court order under Article 538 of the Penal Code.

With the above accusation, Mr. Sokha could have to serve 1 to 6 months in prison.

The summons for Kem Sokha was issued after Khom Chandaraty, a 25-year-old barber and alleged lover of Mr. Kem Sokha, admitted having a relationship with him in April.

According to Khom Chandaraty, Vice President of the CNRP, he promised her 3,000 USD to buy a house and open a shop, but he broke his promise.

Khom Chandaraty sued Mr. Kem Sokha and asked for $300,000 in compensation.

The case came to light in February when recordings of phone conversations between the two were leaked.

Mr. Kem Sokha has not made any public statements about this incident.

According to VIETNAM+