<br><br>Title Cambodia Passes Laws Allowing Revocation of Citizenship A Blow to Freedom of Expression?<br><br>In a move that has sparked widespread concern about the erosion of democratic rights, Cambodia's lawmakers have amended the country's constitution to enable the revocation of citizenship for individuals charged with foreign collusion. This development has raised alarm among human rights groups and critics of the government, who fear that such a law could be used to silence opposition voices and stifle legitimate political dissent.<br><br>The Amendment<br><br>On Friday, all 125 Cambodian lawmakers, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, voted unanimously to change the wording of the constitution. The amendment states that receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law. This significant departure from the previous constitutional provision, which guaranteed that no Khmer citizen could be deprived of their nationality, exiled or extradited to another country except through mutual agreement.<br><br>Constitutional Implications<br><br>The amendment has far-reaching implications for Cambodia's constitution and its citizens. It paves the way for authorities to pass laws enabling the government to strip citizenship from anyone who colludes with foreign powers against the state. Justice Minister Koeut Rith emphasized that this change would allow the government to take action against individuals who betray the nation.<br><br>Human Rights Concerns<br><br>However, human rights activists are sounding the alarm about the potential abuse of such a law. Amnesty International has warned that revocation of citizenship would be a heinous violation of international law. The organization fears that the Cambodian government could misuse its new powers to target government critics and opposition figures, making them stateless.<br><br>International Comparisons<br><br>While Cambodia is not alone in having laws that allow for the revocation of citizenship, it is a rare practice. In 15 European Union countries, citizenship can be revoked on grounds of treason or disloyalty – but only for naturalized citizens in eight of those countries. This raises questions about the motivations behind Cambodia's move and whether it reflects a broader trend towards authoritarianism.<br><br>Government Reassurances<br><br>Despite concerns about abuse, Justice Minister Koeut Rith has brushed off worries that the law would be used to target government critics. He emphasized that individuals who do not commit treason crimes or harm the national interest will not face citizenship revocation – but they might face other charges.<br><br>Context and Consequences<br><br>The amendment comes amid an ongoing border dispute with Thailand, which has seen exiled opposition figures criticize the government. The move is also part of a broader trend of authoritarianism in Cambodia, where scores of opposition activists have been jailed or face legal cases filed by authorities.<br><br>Conclusion<br><br>In a country known for its tumultuous history and fragile democracy, the passing of laws allowing the revocation of citizenship raises serious concerns about the erosion of human rights. As the world watches with bated breath, it remains to be seen whether Cambodia will continue down this path or chart a more inclusive course. One thing is certain – the implications of this move will be far-reaching and have significant consequences for the country's citizens and its international reputation.<br><br>**Keywords** Cambodia, citizenship revocation, human rights, freedom of expression, political dissent, government critics, authoritarianism
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