A court in Cambodia on Thursday charged eight senior officials from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), including acting president Sam Rainsy, as well as his wife, Tioulong Saumura, with “attempting to stage a coup” in connection with the party chief’s plan to return to the country from self-imposed exile in November.
“The plan [for Sam Rainsy’s return] is a criminal act that carries a punishment of between five and 20 years,” the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said in a statement issued through the office of its spokesperson, announcing the charges.
The court also charged the nine with “intention to commit armed rebellion” as part of Sam Rainsy’s stated intention to lead a “restoration of democracy” through peaceful protests in Cambodia when he returns on Nov. 9, to coincide with the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence from France.
Also among those named in the charges were CNRP deputy presidents Mu Sochua and Eng Chhai Eang, and former lawmakers Ho Vann, Ou Chanrith, Men Sothavarin, Long Ry, and Tok Vanchan.