(AP Photo)PHNOM PENH: King Norodom Sihamoni on Friday pardoned a top Cambodian opposition figure, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen, in a complicated manoeuvre that could have a major political impact ahead of nationwide local elections next June. His situation contrasts with that of opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who faces a two-year prison term and new charges and is barred from returning from self-imposed exile. The two opposition figures are rivals as well as allies, and Hun Sen has a history of using a carrot-and-stick approach to successfully divide his opponents. The move proved politically popular, and the government reacted by stepping up intimidation of the opposition party in the courts. The letter and the pardon were published online by pro-government media, and Sam Rainsy posted the pardon on his Facebook page.

Source: Bangkok Post December 02, 2016 13:27 UTC