(February 10, 2005 / Manila, Philippines) In its first resolution for 2005, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats asks for “the immediate and unconditional restoration of the parliamentary immunity of Messrs. Sam Rainsy, Cheam Channy, and Chea Poch; and the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Cheam Channy from his detention.” Last February 3, the Cambodian National Assembly—through a majority vote from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and its coalition partner, the royalist FUNCINPEC—lifted the parliamentary immunity of the three Cambodian oppositionist legislators.
The CALD resolution notes that the vote was taken by a show of hands, in violation of the Cambodian National Assembly’s own regulations and procedures and was held behind closed doors after asking journalists and diplomats to step out of the assembly hall.
Echoing Forum Asia Democracy’s assertion that the basis for the lifting of immunity stemmed from obviously trumped-up charges, CALD believes that the purpose of such an action was meant to stifle the opposition.
Sam Rainsy, a former CALD chair, is currently in the United States. The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) has been a member of CALD since 1999 and was elected as CALD Chairparty for a two-year term immediately after its acceptance as a full member of the organization.
Click here for Resolution No. 1, Series of 2005.
