Cambodian opposition lawmakers stripped of immunity
Hun Sen
The action against Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers Mu Sochua and Ho Vann is the latest in a series of moves by Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling party using the courts against government critics.
 "The National Assembly is walking backwards when they try to silence the opposition party " she said.
 In speech Monday referring to recent international rights groups' allegations that his party is using legal action against government critics to stifle free speech  Hun Sen warned: "Foreigners  don't be messy."
 is using legal action against government critics to stifle free speech  Hun Sen warned: "Foreigners  don't be messy."
 "Stripping immunity is to strengthen democracy instead of law " he added.
 The charges against Mu Sochua stem from her announcement that she would file a lawsuit against Hun Sen for allegedly making derogatory comments about her. That lawsuit was dismissed in court.
 Opposition leader Sam Rainsy was stripped of his immunity in February after accusing Hun Sen's party of corruption during elections last year and then failing to pay a 2 500-dollar fine.
 His protection was later restored when his party eventually paid the fine.
The action against Sam Rainsy Party lawmakers Mu Sochua and Ho Vann is the latest in a series of moves by [TGT]'s ruling party using the courts against government critics.
 "The National Assembly is walking backwards when they try to silence [TGT] " she said.
 In speech Monday referring to recent international rights groups' allegations that [TGT] is using legal action against government critics to stifle free speech  [TGT] warned: "Foreigners  don't be messy."
 is using legal action against government critics to stifle free speech  [TGT] warned: "Foreigners  don't be messy."
 "Stripping immunity is to strengthen democracy instead of law " [TGT] added.
 The charges against Mu Sochua stem from her announcement that she would file [TGT] for allegedly making derogatory comments about her. [TGT] was dismissed in court.
 Opposition leader Sam Rainsy was stripped of his immunity in February after accusing [TGT]'s party of corruption during elections last year and then failing to pay a 2 500-dollar fine.
 His protection was later restored when [TGT] eventually paid the fine.