November 16 is set for the hearing of CNRP dissolution case

Tin Sokhavuth



The trial for the dissolution of the opposition party CNRP would take place on November 16 at 8:00 AM in Room 1 at the Supreme Court.

In a letter, signed by Presiding Judge Dith Monty, glued on the gate of the CNRP's headquarter on Monday, the court invited the CNRP's president Kem Sokha to come to the hearing next month.

In response, Mr. Mao Monivann, CNRP's vice president, told reporters that his party would continue to uphold their position to not appear at the court nor to hire lawyer to defend their case. "We won't mind to go to defend the case. But we will wait and see the outcome," said Mr. Monivann.

On October 6, the Ministry of Interior, filed a complaint to the Supreme Court asking the court to dissolve the opposition party CNRP, following the requests made by two other political parties - Funcinpec Party and Cambodian Youth Party.

In the complaint, the ministry said that they have enough evidence to prove that the CNRP has secretly worked with foreigners to prepare a color revolution in a view to topple the current elected government.

On other hand, despite pressure from international community concerning the possible dissolution of the opposition party CNRP, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhon, on Sunday, said that his ruling party CPP was still keep pushing the lawsuit for the dissolution of the CNRP, and 22 pieces of evidence were already sent to the Supreme Court.

Mr. Sokhon also said that in case the CRNP was dissolved, the National Election Committee (NEC) had the rights to reallocate the CNRP's seats at all governmental level to different political parties challenging the elections.

On Wednesday, His Majesty the King Norodom Sihamoni signed four amended election laws giving the possibility to reallocate the seats of dissolved political party to other parties challenging the elections.

Regarding this issue, the US, UN, and EU said the dissolution would be a violation of the will of the Cambodian people who chose to vote for the CNRP - their choice and voice would be lost if the CNRP would be dissolved.