Human rights activists fear the move approved by lawmakers could be used to target political opponents.Lawmakers in Cambodia have amended the country’s constitution to allow legislation that would see citizenship stripped from those deemed to have colluded with foreign powers.
The constitutional change, which was unanimously supported by 125 politicians in the National Assembly on Friday, has drawn criticism from rights groups, which have expressed concern that it could be used to target political opponents.
The government said it will soon make use of the amendment.
Justice Minister Koeut Rith confirmed that a new citizenship revocation bill would be swiftly brought before parliament.
“If you betray the nation, the nation will not keep you,” he said before dismissing critics’ unease about the move.
The justice minister claimed that those who have not harmed the national interests will not be stripped of their citizenship, adding that they might still “face other charges”.
Before Friday’s vote, the constitution specified that Khmer citizens could lose their citizenship only “through mutual agreement”.
However, after being revised, Article 33 of the constitution now states that “receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law”.
Amnesty International condemned the change on Friday, urging the international community to criticise Cambodia over the decision.
“As the proposal moves closer to becoming reality, anyone who speaks out against or opposes the ruling party will be at risk of having their citizenship …