PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's government adopted a lese majeste law on Friday that would make it a crime to insult the king and which rights groups said they feared could be used to target opponents.
Prime Minister Hun Sen's cabinet said an article had been added into the constitution to make an insult to the monarchy a crime punishable by between one and five years in a prison and a fine of between US$500 and US$2,500.
In a statement after a cabinet meeting, it said the measure was "to uphold and defend His Majesty the King and His Honor".
No date has been set for the National Assembly to adopt the final law, but the dominance of Hun Sen's supporters in parliament means its passage is almost guaranteed.
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