PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has freed a prominent opposition figure from house arrest more than two years after he was charged with treason, a court spokesperson told Agence France-Presse on Sunday, after attempts by his colleagues to return to the country were thwarted. But “he can travel nationwide now,” Y Rin, a Phnom Penh municipal court spokesman, told Agence France-Presse. Sokha is the co-founder of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was dissolved ahead of controversial elections swept by Hun Sen last year. The new court ruling, which cited health concerns, forbids the 66-year-old from leaving Cambodia or joining political activities. Rainsy told Agence France-Presse that the release of Sokha from house arrest was a small step in the right direction but also called for the treason charge against his opposition colleague to be dismissed.

Source: Manila Times November 10, 2019 17:33 UTC