Cambodian Parliament Amends Constitution to Allow Citizenship Revocation for Foreign Collusion
On July 11, Cambodian lawmakers unanimously approved an amendment to the constitution that allows for the revocation of citizenship from individuals accused of colluding with foreign entities—despite growing concerns the move could be used to suppress dissent.
The amendment, which alters Article 33 of the Constitution, marks the 11th constitutional revision in Cambodia’s history. Justice Minister Koeut Rith explained that the change lays the groundwork for subsequent revisions to the 2018 Citizenship Law, enabling the government to legally strip citizenship from those deemed traitors.
“This amendment is designed to uphold patriotism and loyalty among Khmer citizens,” Rith said. “We expect to have the supporting law in place soon, as the Justice and Interior Ministries have been coordinating on this issue.”
Previously, Article 33 stated that Khmer citizens could not be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or deported without an extradition agreement. The revised version now affirms that the loss of Khmer nationality will be determined by a legal process.
Minister Rith argued the amendment would act as a safeguard for national interests and reinforce Article 49 of the Constitution, which requires citizens to prioritize the interests of the nation and refrain from activities that harm Cambodia or its people.
He clarified that the law would target only those who conspire with foreign actors to undermine national interests: “If you betray the nation, Cambodia has no reason to welcome traitors.”
While the specific criteria for revoking citizenship—especially in cases of dual nationality or naturalization—have not yet been finalized, Rith emphasized that the law is not intended to silence critics. “Criticism is not treason,” he said, dismissing allegations that the amendment is a political tool.
Rith also pushed back against accusations that the law amounts to a form of "legal genocide," calling such claims unfounded. He noted that many countries, including France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and South Korea, have similar legal provisions allowing for the revocation of citizenship in cases involving treason, terrorism, or threats to national security.
When asked about potential impacts on those targeted by the law, Rith said individuals who conspire with foreign powers would also lose property rights in Cambodia. “They will rely on their foreign allies anyway—they no longer have a heart for Cambodia,” he said.
Ang Vong Vathana, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Commission on Legislation and Justice, highlighted the unprecedented support for the amendment, noting that all three national leaders—the King, the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly—endorsed the constitutional change.
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