Cambodia To Pass Laws Allowing Citizenship To Be Stripped

Cambodia have revised the constitution on July 11, creating a pathway for individuals accused of collaborating with foreign entities to lose their citizenship, despite fears that such a law might be exploited to suppress government detractors.

The July 11 vote to revise Article 33 of the Constitution was unanimously approved.

Justice Minister Koeut Rith stated that the 11th amendment to the Constitution sets the stage for additional legal frameworks to strip citizenship from those deemed traitors.

Following its implementation, the government plans to propose changes to the 2018 Citizenship Law to permit the revocation of citizenship.

“This amendment aims to purify patriotism and loyalty of the Khmer people,” Rith said. “I expect the law could exist soon, as the Justice Ministry has been working with the Interior Ministry since we studied the amendment of the Constitution.”

At present, Article 33 of the Constitution declares: “Khmer citizens shall not be deprived of their nationality, exiled or arrested and deported to any foreign country unless there is a mutual agreement on extradition. Khmer citizens residing abroad enjoy the protection of the State. The Khmer nationality shall be determined by a law.”

The revised Article 33 (new) specifies that the loss of Khmer nationality shall be determined by a law.

He explained that the amendment will serve as a mechanism to safeguard the state and ensure strict adherence to the Constitution’s Article 49 (new), which states: “Khmer citizens shall place the interests of the nation first and shall not conduct directly or indirectly any activity affecting the interest of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Khmer citizens.”

The minister clarified that the new law will only target individuals who conspire with foreigners to undermine national interests. “You betray our nation, so Cambodia has no reason to welcome traitors.”

However, the conditions for revocation have not yet been defined, he noted, such as for those with dual citizenship or those with naturalized status. He refuted claims that the law is designed to target government critics, asserting that mere expression does not constitute treason.

He emphasized that the revocation law is not an act of genocide. He dismissed such accusations as unfounded, listing four common justifications for such laws in other nations.

These include treason, terrorism and security threats, disloyalty, and actions impacting the core national interest.

He pointed out that approximately 150 countries, including France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and Singapore, have legal provisions allowing citizenship revocation in cases of severe misconduct, such as threats to national security.

When asked about the challenges the law might pose for certain individuals, Rith said those colluding with foreigners will lose property ownership rights but will likely receive support from their foreign allies, adding that they no longer have loyalty to Cambodia.

Ang Vong Vathana, chairman of the Commission on Legislation and Justice of the National Assembly, noted that the 11th Constitution amendment is distinctive because it is supported by all three dignitaries—the King, the prime minister, and the NA president—who have the authority to propose constitutional amendments backing this citizenship revocation.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli