US urges Cambodia to allow opposition leader to return without fear of imprisonment

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is urging Cambodia to allow self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy to return home to contest elections without fear of imprisonment.

 

Rainsy vowed Sunday to travel to Cambodia ahead of the July 28 vote to challenge the 28-year rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen, whose party is expected to win.

The Cambodian government says Rainsy is welcome but could face arrest.

He’s been living in France to avoid a 12-year prison sentence on charges widely seen as politically motivated. The conviction also bars him running for office.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday that Rainsy should be allowed to return “without fear for his personal safety or incarceration.”

She said free and fair elections require a level playing field, including the unfettered participation of opposition parties.