MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia

3.5.2022 - (2022/2658(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Željana Zovko, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Sandra Kalniete, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, David Lega, Sara Skyttedal, José Manuel Fernandes, Adam Jarubas, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Miriam Lexmann, Tomáš Zdechovský, Peter Pollák, Stanislav Polčák, Eva Maydell, Christian Sagartz, Vangelis Meimarakis, Gheorghe‑Vlad Nistor, Michaela Šojdrová, Paulo Rangel, Maria Walsh, Seán Kelly, Ivan Štefanec, Luděk Niedermayer, Vladimír Bilčík, Krzysztof Hetman, Arba Kokalari, Inese Vaidere, Traian Băsescu, Romana Tomc
on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0230/2022

B9‑0247/2022

European Parliament resolution on the continuous crackdown of political opposition in Cambodia

(2022/2658(RSP))

The European Parliament,

 

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Cambodia,

–  having regard to the Statement by the EEAS of 29 March 2022 on on Cambodia,

–  having regard to the Resolution by the Human Rights Council of 11 October 2021 on Cambodia,

–  having regard to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Cambodia,

–  having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

1. whereas on 16 November 2017, the Supreme Court announced the dissolution of the largest opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP);

 

2. whereas the government crackdown on independent media, civil society organizations, political opposition, that began in 2017 continued throughout 2021;

 

3. whereas there have been a series of mass trials against over 100 opposition members, activists, supporters connected with CNRP;

 

4. whereas in March 2021, 9 senior party leaders, including Sam Rainsy, were found guilty in absentia of “attempting to commit a felony” and “attack” under Articles 27 and 451 of the Criminal Code, and sentenced to more than 20 years in prison;

 

5. whereas in November 2021, Veourn Veasna and Voeung Samnang, both CNRP supporters and UNHCR-recognized refugees, were forcibly returned to Cambodia from Thailand and detained on charges of incitement and Covid-19 law violations;

 

6. whereas in August 2021, trade union leader Rong Chhun was convicted of “incitement to commit a felony or cause social unrest” together with former political opposition members Sar Kanika and Ton Nimol with sentences ranging from 20 months to two years;

 

7. whereas in February 2021, the government adopted a sub-decree that tightens control of the internet and expands online surveillance of internet users critical of the government;

 

1. Condemns the prosecution of opposition politicians, human rights defenders, journalists, environmentalists, students and others for expressing opinions;

 

2. Calls for politically motivated charges and rulings against opposition politicians and others to be dropped immediately, including those towards CNRP members and supporters and to stop filing baseless charges;

 

3. Urges Cambodian authorities to end all unlawful restrictions on participation of people in public affairs, and to ensure that all political parties can carry out an equal, free and transparent electoral campaign, notably for the upcoming communal elections on 5 June 2022;

 

4. Reiterates its call on the Vice‑President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to closely monitor the situation in Cambodia;

 

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and National Assembly of Cambodia.