14 June 2017•Update: 14 June 2017
By Lauren Crothers
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The government on Wednesday lifted a travel ban on former Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, allowing him to return home ahead of next year’s general elections.
His party welcomed the move. “Rainsy has the right to live in Cambodia and serve the nation,” Yim Sovann, Cambodian National Rescue Party spokesman told Anadolu Agency.
Prime Minister Hun Sen had issued travel restrictions on Rainsy, co-founder of the country’s largest opposition party, in October last year.
The ban stated that any airline carrying the politician will not be allowed to enter Cambodia.
Rainsy has been living in self-imposed exile in France since 2015 after a number of lawsuits were filed against him by members of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
This March, he was convicted in absentia to a 20-month jail term for defamation and incitement.
He has, however, been maintaining an active Facebook presence, with 4 million followers, where he criticizes the Cambodian government.
It is unclear if he will end his exile, as he is likely to face arrest on his return.
The last time he went into exile, he was granted an amnesty just in time for the 2013 national elections, where his party gave tough competition to the ruling party, which has governed the country since 1979.
Rainsy resigned as president of his party this February.
