High court hears CNRP lawmaker’s bail request

CNRP lawmaker Um Sam An is escorted into the Supreme Court yesterday for a bail hearing. Heng Chivoan

The Supreme Court yesterday heard a bail application from Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Um Sam An, charged in April for “incitement” for accusing the government of ceding land to Vietnam.

The prosecutor told the court Sam An was a flight risk and could destroy evidence, namely the offending remarks, which were made on Facebook.

However, lawyers for Sam An, who was arrested in Siem Reap after returning from a length trip abroad, said their client would surrender his passport if the court thought he would escape.

Sam An himself refused to interact with court officials, holding that his arrest was illegal in light of his constitutionally granted parliamentary immunity.

Authorities have argued the lawmaker has committed a flagrant crime, which nullifies this protection.

Judge Kem Sathavy said a decision would be delivered on August 17.

Contact author: Kim Sarom

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