Dissidents can now lose citizenship

I say ‘aye’: Members of Parliament raising their hands during a meeting to pass the Bill at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh. — AFP

MEMBERS of Parliamen­t passed legislation allowing people who “collude” with foreign countries to be stripped of citizenship, a law rights groups fear will be used to banish dissent.

Rights monitors have long accused Cambodia’s government of using draconian laws to stifle opposition and legitimate political debate.