Phnom penh: President of the Senate, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, has stated that the law on the revocation of Khmer citizenship is not a new concept in Cambodia, as it already existed during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era (1955-1970).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Hun Sen revealed through a social media post that he discovered two legal documents regarding the ‘revocation or loss of Khmer nationality’ for individuals who committed acts detrimental to national interests. The documents included the Royal Decree Promulgating the Law on the Loss of Khmer Citizenship dated October 16, 1968, and Article 25-duplicate of the Civil Code from Royal Decree No. 397, N.S., dated October 26, 1959.
He further mentioned that Cambodia is not unique in this regard, noting that approximately 150 countries worldwide possess laws that allow for the revocation of citizenship. Typically, these laws apply in cases involving national security threats, disloyalty, activities undermining national interests, or terrorism-related crimes.
H.E. Seng Dyna, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, clarified that the proposed constitutional amendment aims to establish a legal framework for revoking the citizenship of individuals conspiring with foreign entities against the Khmer nation. He emphasized that loyal citizens have nothing to fear from this legislation.
‘Those who truly love the nation and have no intention of colluding with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia have nothing to worry about regarding this law,’ he stated.
H.E. Seng Dyna also dismissed assertions by certain individuals abroad that the revocation of citizenship equates to ethnic cleansing or genocide, explaining that such claims confuse ethnicity with nationality. He highlighted that ethnicity or race is a blood bond, whereas nationality is a legal bond between an individual and the state.
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly is scheduled to convene on July 7, 2025, to review and consider the proposed amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
According to the Constitutional Council, the amendment of Article 33 to permit the revocation of Khmer citizenship for individuals conspiring with foreign countries and acting against national interests is legally feasible.