In a sweeping move that has triggered widespread domestic and international concern, Cambodia’s parliament has passed a law empowering the government to revoke the citizenship of individuals convicted of treason—a charge, critics argue, that risks being wielded to silence dissent. The bill was passed by a nearly unanimous vote of 120 out of 125 members of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP)-dominated National Assembly on August 25, 2025.
The new legislation on individuals convicted of treason expands the government’s reach to permit the stripping of citizenship from Cambodians found guilty of treason or conspiring with foreign powers or acting against national interests. Notably, it applies not only to lifelong Cambodian citizens but also includes dual nationals and naturalized citizens.
This development follows a constitutional amendment passed in mid-July, which revised Article 33 to eliminate the previous protection that forbade deprivation of citizenship. The amendment redrafted the Constitution to state that the “acquisition and loss of Cambodian nationality, including withdrawal, shall be determined by law,” thereby laying the legal groundwork for the recent legislation. The National Assembly passed this amendment unanimously on July 11, 2025, followed by approval from the Senate on July 14, and signed off by King Norodom Sihamoni shortly after.
The government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet and backed by influential former Prime Minister Hun Sen, insists the law is necessary to safeguard national sovereignty amidst rising tensions—particularly following a border skirmish with Thailand. Officials have argued that the law targets genuine threats by those who conspire with foreign actors, not political opponents. Interior Minister Sar Sokha and Justice Minister Koeut Rith have described the law as a legitimate measure to protect Cambodia from those seeking to endanger national security.
Despite government assertions, critics—including human rights groups, over 50 NGOs, and international observers—have condemned the law as overly vague and dangerously broad. Amnesty International warned that it may facilitate the persecution of opposition figures and potentially render them stateless. A coalition of NGOs highlighted the chilling effect on freedom of speech, cautioning that people “risk losing our identities over our activism” if such laws are enforced against critics.
The law emerges amid what many describe as a broader dismantling of democratic institutions in Cambodia. The 2017 dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the exclusion of key political figures, and mass trials of more than 100 opposition members—many conducted in absentia—have heightened worries that this law is intended to further consolidate CPP’s dominance by suppressing dissent.
During the public debate, Hun Manet attempted to justify the law by pointing out that a majority of United Nations member states maintain similar provisions allowing revocation of citizenship under specific circumstances. He addressed citizens directly: “If you have conspired with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia, then… you are not a Cambodian. No true patriot would ever plot with foreign powers to destroy their nation”.
Nevertheless, opponents such as exiled political figure Sam Rainsy argue that the law masks deeper issues. Rainsy has suggested the focus on border tensions is a distraction from widespread corruption, including illicit cyber-scamming operations allegedly tied to the regime.
As the law moves forward, it must still receive Senate and royal assent to be fully enacted. The developments mark a significant and controversial turn in Cambodia’s political landscape—raising urgent questions about the future of civil liberties and the rule of law in the country.
