Deputy opposition leader of the CNRP Kem Sokha (Photo: AFP)Phnom Penh (VNA) - Cambodia's Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana has requested the National Assembly to strip two lawmakers of their immunity following a case involving deputy leader Kem Sokha.
In a request sent to NA President Samdech Heng Samrin on June 30 and released to the media on July 1, the minister said that Tok Vanchan and Pin Ratana, both are lawmakers from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), have been suspiciously involved in the case.
The petition indicated that the Ministry of Justice requests the President of the National Assembly to check and take next procedures to remove the immunity of lawmakers Tok Vanchan and Pin Ratana.
Under the Cambodian Constitution, a lawmaker may only be prosecuted, arrested or detained with the permission of the National Assembly or by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly between sessions, except in case of flagrant offences.
According to the country's penal code, the prostitution charge could be imprisoned for between two and five years.
Earlier, a Cambodian court ordered to summon Kem Sokha after audio clips of telephone conversation between him and 25-year-old hairdresser Khom Chandaraty, his alleged mistress, came to light.
Khom Chandaraty accused Kem Sokha of breaking his promise to give her 3,000 UD, to buy her a house and to open a shop for her.
She admitted to the court in April that the two lawmakers had arranged two trips to Bangkok in November last year and February this year for her and Kem Sokha.
Since the scandal broke out, Kem Sokha has not publicly commented on the case.-VNA
