Lifting Of The Parliamentary Immunity Of Sam Rainsy In Cambodia

EDM number 764 in 2004-05, proposed by Tom Brake on 23/02/2005.

That this House condemns the surprise decision on 3rd February by the National Assembly of Cambodia to lift the parliamentary immunity of three members of the opposition party, Mr Sam Rainsy, Mr Chea Poch and Mr Cheam Channy; further condemns the subsequent unlawful arrest of Mr Channy; registers its deep regret at the deterioration of democracy in Cambodia; joins the international community in protesting against the treatment of Mr Rainsy, Mr Poch and Mr Channy; supports the compelling argument in favour of suspension of economic aid as an effective force for change; with great urgency calls on the UK Government to request the Cambodian authorities to stop any form of prosecution against Sam Rainsy, Chea Poch and Cheam Channy; and further calls on the UK Government to suspend UK aid to Cambodia until the full restoration of the rights of the opposition party.

This motion has been signed by a total of 30 MPs.