With jailed opposition leader Kem Sokha likely barred from attending his own hearing today at the Court of Appeal – due ostensibly to “security concerns” – a group of CNRP lawmakers are planning to gather outside to “monitor” the situation.

Meanwhile, the Cambodia National Rescue Party yesterday put up banners calling for Sokha’s release in all 25 provinces, a move a senior government official characterised as part of a “colour revolution”.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sopheak confirmed last night that the police had decided not to allow Sokha to attend the hearing because of concerns for his own safety, but qualified that it was up to the judge’s discretion whether he would proceed without him.

Court spokesperson Touch Tharith also equivocated, saying it was up to the Prisons Department to actually bring the accused to court, but adding that Sokha’s presence wasn’t needed. “His lawyers can raise evidence to defend [him] . . . It seems not to affect [his] rights,” he said.

Nuth Savna, spokesperson for the General Department of Prisons, said yesterday afternoon that he had not yet received final word on whether to bring Sokha to court, and CC3 prison chief Pin Yan said he hadn’t received orders to bring Sokha or to prepare a video conference.

Sam Sokong, one of Sokha’s eight defence lawyers, maintained the party chief’s presence was crucial. “He wants to join the hearing,” he said, adding that if Sokha wasn’t present in the morning the lawyers would request to postpone the hearing, or potentially walk out.

Sokha’s lawyers are challenging his pre-trial detention, arguing that he enjoys parliamentary immunity and that it was illegal to