Deputy opposition leader Kem Sokha marked his arrival back in the Kingdom from a trip to the US on Wednesday by saying he was not afraid of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s threats to have him prosecuted for allegedly attempting to lead a revolution.

Earlier this month, Sokha apologised to opposition CNRP supporters in Long Beach, California, for failing to secure a change in government following the 2013 election, when his party led mass street protests.

Hun Sen seized on the comments to accuse Sokha of admitting that he had tried to “topple” the government, and called on the courts to take legal action. He also said that handcuffs would be waiting for Sokha if he held further protests.

Speaking to reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport on Wednesday night as throngs of supporters greeted his arrival, Sokha said he was “not interested” in the PM’s threats.

“I am thinking more about upcoming things [that have to be done]. I have already talked with [CNRP] president Sam Rainsy, and we will recruit candidates” for the new National Election Committee, he said. “The NEC is something that is important.”

Separately, the Constitutional Council approved two controversial election-related laws that passed the National Assembly and Senate last week as constitutional – despite claims to the contrary – it announced on Tuesday.