Phnom Penh (FN), August 8 - Cambodian Royal Government Spokesman Phay Siphan said Wednesday that the request of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall G. Schriver to release former opposition leader Kem Sokha can not be granted by the government but by the court, which has separate power as stated in the constitution.

“Kem Sokha is under the jurisdiction and procedures of the court,” the spokesman said responding to Randall’s request to free Kem Sokha after the election.

Kem Sokha was arrested by justice police at his house in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork at 00:35 am on 3 September 2017.

The arrest was made when Sokha appeared in a video published by CBN, speaking of his plans supported by foreigners to topple the legitimate government. His offence subjects to a penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison based on article 443 of the Criminal Code, charged with “conspiring with foreigners”.
=FRESH NEWS