Cambodia charges oppn leader with treason

Cambodia's opposition leader has been formally charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with the United States to topple the government, and could face up to 30 years in prison.

Kem Sokha had been expected to lead his Cambodia National Rescue Party in next year's election in a strong challenge against the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The opposition party has denied the treason allegation, saying the charge is politically motivated.

Sokha's arrest on Sunday in the middle of the night came amid a crackdown on the media.

Radio stations critical of the government were shut down for alleged breaches of regulations, and the English-language Cambodia Daily, also independent of the government, was forced out of business after being presented with a huge but disputed tax bill.

Officials say Sokha secretly conspired with a foreign country to carry out an act harmful to the social order and that could cause unrest.

It said he had been carrying out his plan since 1993 to topple the government step by step.

Speaking to 4,000 Cambodian garment factory workers Sunday, Sen claimed Sokha had colluded with the United States against his government and warned the opposition party it could be dissolved if it defended him.

He provided no proof for his claims.