By Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post
THE National Assembly has agreed to open debate on the government’s long-awaited draft Penal Code, paving the way for its adoption in the coming weeks, but opposition lawmakers expressed concern that the code, if approved as is, will restrict freedom of expression and chill dissent.
In a session on Thursday, 12 lawmakers from the Sam Rainsy Party called for amendments to 43 of the Code’s 472 articles, arguing that sections on defamation offered vague definitions, posing a threat to free speech.
“We are concerned about many articles that would be restrictions on freedom of expression because the draft code sets up defamation and insults as criminal [charges],” SRP lawmaker Yim Sovann told the Assembly.
He said that freedom of expression was a basic right, ensuring citizens’ ability to speak out on issues such as poverty, unemployment, land disputes and corruption.
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