PHNOM PENH: Germany stated on Thursday it has suspended preferential visas for personal trip by means of participants of Cambodia's government, together with Prime Minister Hun Sen, following a government crackdown on the opposition.
The visa suspension is the most recent action taken in opposition to Hun Sen's government by means of a Western country following the dissolution of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Hun Sen's main rival, by means of the Supreme Court final year.
The CNRP used to be dissolved on the request of the ruling birthday celebration, which had accused the CNRP of plotting to topple the federal government. The CNRP has denied the rate.
Rights groups say Hun Sen and his allies have escalated intimidation of their fighters ahead of elections this year and accuse them of misusing the justice device to prosecute critics and force independent media outlets to close.
The European Union stated in December it had suspended funding for Cambodia's 2018 general election as it didn't view an election and not using a main opposition birthday celebration as respectable.
A spokeswoman for Germany's Foreign Office stated Germany has suspended preferential visas for Cambodian government participants.
"The Foreign Office confirms the suspension of preferential Visa treatment for private travel by Cambodian government members, including by Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family, by high-ranking military officials and the presidents of the highest Cambodian court," Susanne Beger-Blum, a spokeswoman for Germany's Federal Foreign Office, informed Reuters in an electronic mail.
"The Foreign Office also confirms that Germany has encouraged other European Union members to impose similar measures following months of the Cambodian government's crackdown on media outlets, NGOs and the political opposition," she stated.
CNRP chief Kem Sokha used to be arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the federal government with U.S. lend a hand final year.
He has rejected the accusation as a political ploy.
The United States has also denied the allegations and has restricted visa applications to sure Cambodian officials in accordance with Hun Sen's crackdown.
Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party, stated the federal government had now not been notified about Germany's visa suspension and didn't think it used to be a large deal.
"If we can't go to Germany, we won't die," stated Sok Eysan.
The visa suspension is the most recent action taken in opposition to Hun Sen's government by means of a Western country following the dissolution of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Hun Sen's main rival, by means of the Supreme Court final year.
The CNRP used to be dissolved on the request of the ruling birthday celebration, which had accused the CNRP of plotting to topple the federal government. The CNRP has denied the rate.
Rights groups say Hun Sen and his allies have escalated intimidation of their fighters ahead of elections this year and accuse them of misusing the justice device to prosecute critics and force independent media outlets to close.
The European Union stated in December it had suspended funding for Cambodia's 2018 general election as it didn't view an election and not using a main opposition birthday celebration as respectable.
A spokeswoman for Germany's Foreign Office stated Germany has suspended preferential visas for Cambodian government participants.
"The Foreign Office confirms the suspension of preferential Visa treatment for private travel by Cambodian government members, including by Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family, by high-ranking military officials and the presidents of the highest Cambodian court," Susanne Beger-Blum, a spokeswoman for Germany's Federal Foreign Office, informed Reuters in an electronic mail.
"The Foreign Office also confirms that Germany has encouraged other European Union members to impose similar measures following months of the Cambodian government's crackdown on media outlets, NGOs and the political opposition," she stated.
CNRP chief Kem Sokha used to be arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the federal government with U.S. lend a hand final year.
He has rejected the accusation as a political ploy.
The United States has also denied the allegations and has restricted visa applications to sure Cambodian officials in accordance with Hun Sen's crackdown.
Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party, stated the federal government had now not been notified about Germany's visa suspension and didn't think it used to be a large deal.
"If we can't go to Germany, we won't die," stated Sok Eysan.
Germany suspends visas for Cambodian govt members over crackdown
![Germany suspends visas for Cambodian govt members over crackdown]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
February 22, 2018
Rating:
