IPU Urges Cambodia to Find a Political Solution Regarding Sam Rainsy
| Publisher | Inter-Parliamentary Union |
| Publication Date | 9 July 2013 |
| Cite as | Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU Urges Cambodia to Find a Political Solution Regarding Sam Rainsy, 9 July 2013, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/52569d854.html [accessed 24 September 2016] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
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.
