IPU Urges Cambodia to Find a Political Solution Regarding Sam Rainsy

Cambodian opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, says he will return to the country before elections on 28 July. © Flickr/Prachatai

IPU’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians is urging authorities in Cambodia to allow exiled opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, to return home in freedom.

“A political solution must be found to enable Sam Rainsy to return to Cambodia to make a meaningful contribution to the political process and the forthcoming elections,” said IPU Secretary General, Anders B. Johnsson. “If he is not allowed to take part in the elections, then he should at least be able to contribute to the political process as a free man.”

Rainsy has announced that he will go back to Cambodia before the country goes to the polls on 28 July. He has been living in France since 2009 ahead of being sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison on charges which are widely considered to be politically motivated. He faces immediate arrest by authorities if he returns to his homeland.

Rainsy has also been stripped of his parliamentary seat and banned from running for office.

“IPU is deeply concerned that at the end of this month Cambodians will be asked to cast their vote without being able to do so in support of the leader of the opposition,” added Johnsson.