Controversial Citizenship Revocation Bill Passed by Cambodia’s Lawmakers Stokes Fears of Political Suppression and Loss of National Identity

Cambodia’s parliament has approved a bill granting the government the authority to revoke citizenship from individuals found guilty of conspiring with foreign nations to harm national interests. The amendment to the Nationality Law was unanimously passed by all 120 members of the National Assembly in attendance.

Critics view this amendment as a potential tool for suppressing internal dissent and controlling political opponents, particularly those who challenge Prime Minister Hun Manet and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

Ahead of the vote, 50 Cambodian non-governmental organizations expressed concern over the bill’s broad language, which they argue could lead to the stripping of citizenship from individuals, thereby severely impacting freedom of speech for all Cambodians.

The statement read, “With this new amendment to the Nationality Law, every Cambodian risks losing their identity due to their activism. If stripped of citizenship, we will lose the foundation for every right we have in our home country.”

Before becoming law, the bill must be approved by Cambodia’s Senate and head of state, King Norodom Sihamoni, which is typically a formality given the ruling party’s dominant position. Despite being an electoral democracy, the Cambodian People’s Party holds 120 out of 125 seats in the National Assembly, giving them control over all government levers.

The legislation comes at a time of increased nationalism among Cambodians, following a border dispute with Thailand that escalated into a five-day armed conflict in late July. The conflict ended only after a shaky ceasefire was reached.

Interior Minister Sar Sokha told lawmakers that the law update is crucial to boost patriotic feelings among Cambodians amid perceived threats from neighboring countries. He suggested that some Cambodians are acting and commenting in ways detrimental to the nation’s interests and security, stating that individuals who harm these interests should no longer be considered Cambodian citizens.

The law applies to lifelong Cambodian citizens, dual citizens, and foreigners granted Cambodian citizenship. Notable government critics and opposition politicians are known to hold dual citizenship, a factor that could potentially be leveraged under the new legislation.

Historically, Hun Manet and his father Hun Sen (who stepped down as prime minister in 2023 after 38 years in power) have been proactive in stifling opposition, often through court cases widely perceived to be influenced by the ruling party.

In 2017, Cambodia’s main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was dissolved following a court order accusing it of seeking to overthrow the government with foreign aid. The party’s then-leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested and later convicted of treason for allegedly conspiring with the United States.

While many countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation, these are usually based on narrowly defined grounds. Speaking to villagers and government officials in July in northern Kampong Thom province, Hun Manet claimed that among nearly 200 United Nations member states, 150 countries have laws allowing citizenship revocation, including the United States.

“Please don’t be concerned if you are a patriot and do not oppose the interest of your country,” Hun Manet said. “But if you have conspired with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia then, yes, it is true you should be worried, and in such case you are not a Cambodian.” He added, “No true patriot would ever plot with foreign powers to destroy their nation.”