The Finnish government granted former Phnom Penh police chief Heng Pov a visa on December 6, his lawyers said.

Finland's decision incurred the wrath of the Cambodian government. Finland was sheltering another "convicted Cambodian criminal," Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said on December 7.

Finland's announcement that it had granted Pov a visa increases his chances of avoiding deportation to Cambodia where he faces 18 years jail after being convicted in absentia for the murder of judge Sok Sethamony.

Finland has previously admitted Sam Rainsy activist Sok Yoeun - wanted for an alleged assassination attempt on Prime Minister Hun Sen - and the wife of slain union activist Chea Vichea.