Cambodia: deputy opposition leader banned from leaving country
A Cambodia court has banned deputy opposition leader and lawmaker Kem Sokha from leaving the country since he has been charged with "refusal to appear" in a case involving his alleged mistress.
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According to an order signed by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's Investigating Judge Thann Leng on July 8 and released to the media on July 14, Kem Sokha "must not leave the territory of Cambodia."
The order requested that competent authorities keep a close watch on Kem Sokha and must report to the court in case he violates the order.
It said that Kem Sokha, deputy leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), could be temporarily detained if he intentionally disrespects the order.
Kem Sokha was charged by a court on May 26 with "refusal to appear" over a prostitution case involving his alleged mistress. Under the charge, he could face a prison term of between one and six months.
Kem Sokha was summoned after audio clips of a telephone conversation between him and 25-year-old hairdresser Khom Chandaraty, his alleged mistress, came to light.
Khom Chandaraty accused Kem Sokha of breaking his promise to give her US$3,000 to buy a house and open a shop.
