Cambodia passes law increasing penalties for Khmer Rouge denial

Cambodia's National Assembly has unanimously passed a bill imposing tougher penalties for denying atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, which ruled from 1975 to 1979 and is responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people. The new law, which now awaits formal approval from the Senate and King Norodom Sihamoni, stipulates prison terms of up to five years and fines ranging from $2,500 to $125,000 for those who deny or object to recognized crimes. This legislation, which replaces a 2013 law with lighter penalties, is intended to prevent future atrocities and ensure justice for victims, aligning with similar laws in Europe. However, critics argue that the law may serve as a political tool to suppress dissent, similar to its predecessor. The timing of the law’s passage, just months before the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power, raises concerns about its potential misuse for political gains. The Cambodian People's Party, currently led by Hun Manet, has previously faced accusations of using the judiciary to silence opposition voices.