October 28, 2026

The Khmer Movement for Democracy (KMD) expresses its serious concern over the statement issued by the Cambodian National Assembly on October 27, 2026, condemning the establishment of the Khmer Overseas Citizens’ Assembly (KOCA) in Paris on October 25, 2026, and threatening legal punishment against all individuals involved.

The KOCA election was the result of an initiative launched and facilitated by KMD to strengthen democratic participation, representation, and the voice of Cambodian citizens and communities living abroad. Through an electoral process organized by the Khmer Overseas Election Commission (KOEC), the initiative sought to demonstrate that Cambodians abroad can contribute peacefully and constructively to the democratic future of their country.

KMD considers the Cambodian National Assembly’s characterization of the initiative as an “outlaw rebel group,” together with its warning of punishment for all those involved, a matter of serious concern. Such language risks stigmatizing peaceful political participation and creating a climate of fear among Cambodians living abroad and their families in Cambodia.

A Potential Case of Transnational Repression

KMD is particularly concerned that threats issued by Cambodian state institutions against individuals participating in a political initiative abroad could constitute a warning sign of transnational repression. When political participation outside a country’s borders is met with threats of prosecution or punishment, it raises serious questions about the protection of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful political participation.

While further evidence is necessary to determine whether this incident forms part of a broader pattern of mass transnational repression, KMD believes that the statement warrants close scrutiny by democratic governments, international human rights organizations, and relevant United Nations mechanisms.

Cambodians living abroad do not forfeit their fundamental rights simply because they continue to care about their country’s future. Their peaceful civic engagement should not expose them or their families to intimidation, retaliation, or politically motivated legal action.

KMD’s Initiative and Commitment to Democracy

KMD emphasizes that the KOCA initiative was developed to provide Cambodian citizens abroad with a democratic platform for representation, participation, and engagement in matters affecting the national interest. Its electoral process reflects the contribution of the Cambodian diaspora to democratic development, national unity, human rights, and the rule of law.

KMD rejects attempts to equate peaceful political organization with rebellion or unlawful activity without a fair, transparent, and independent legal determination. Political disagreement must not be used as a pretext to intimidate citizens or suppress peaceful civic initiatives.

Genuine national reconciliation cannot be achieved through threats, exclusion, or the criminalization of peaceful political participation. It requires respect for fundamental freedoms, equal citizenship, the rule of law, and the right of Cambodians everywhere to contribute to their country’s future.

KMD Calls for International Attention and Protection

KMD calls on:

* The Government of France, as the host country of the KOCA founding initiative in Paris, to remain attentive to the safety and fundamental rights of Cambodian diaspora members exercising their rights peacefully.

* The governments of the United States, Canada, and other democratic countries to monitor possible threats, intimidation, surveillance, or retaliation against Cambodian diaspora communities.

* The United Nations human rights mechanisms to examine this development in the broader context of restrictions on political freedoms in Cambodia and the potential use of state institutions to intimidate peaceful political opponents abroad.

* The Cambodian authorities to clarify the legal basis for their threats, refrain from intimidation and retaliation, and respect the fundamental rights of all Cambodian citizens, regardless of where they live.

KMD also calls on Cambodian communities abroad to remain united, vigilant, and committed to peaceful democratic engagement while documenting and reporting any credible threats or acts of intimidation.

The Cambodian diaspora is not an enemy of Cambodia. It is an integral part of the Cambodian nation, with the right and responsibility to contribute to its democratic future.

KMD will continue to defend democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the legitimate participation of Cambodians abroad in building a peaceful, free, and democratic Cambodia.

Khmer Movement for Democracy (KMD)

Cambodian diaspora united action for a better Cambodia.