Cambodia passes constitutional change allowing gov’t to revoke citizenship
Lawmakers in Cambodia changed the constitution so that the government can take away citizenship from people they believe have worked with foreign powers. This amendment was approved unanimously and has raised concerns, as some fear it could be misused against political opponents.
Key Facts:
- Cambodia's National Assembly changed the constitution to allow for taking away citizenship.
- The change lets the government strip citizenship from those thought to have collaborated with foreign countries.
- All 125 lawmakers in the assembly approved the amendment.
- The Justice Minister said they would quickly introduce a law to support this change.
- Previously, Cambodian citizens could only lose citizenship through "mutual agreement."
- Amnesty International and other groups are worried the law could be used to target critics of the government.
- The amendment follows pressure from former leader Hun Sen after opposition figures criticized the government over border issues with Thailand.