PHNOM PENH: A spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, Khieu Sopheak told EAC News that the Ministry has decided to permanently ban an American lawyer named Jared Genser from entering Cambodia after lying to authorities about the purpose of his visit to Cambodia.

On 7 December, as the Cambodian court resumed its hearing on Cambodian-American human rights activist Seng Theary, Jared Genser, an international human rights lawyer from America, attacked the court and the Royal Government of Cambodia, stating that a theatrical hearing was being held and that the Cambodian government would have more problems if Seng Theary is convicted.

Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak stated that this was unacceptable, and said that he believes Genser despises Cambodia and its state institutions. He said, "In general, he despises our own Cambodian people, our state institutions! It is sad. Our country is a sovereign country like any other, and it is very unfortunate that this disgusting activity happened."

Jared Genser is a lawyer and professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center. He is a friend of Seng Theary, who is currently on trial in a Cambodian court for conspiracy to commit treason for backing Sam Rainsy’s return to Cambodia and plan to stage protests on 9 November 2019. He has been seen joining Seng Theary regularly during the Cambodian court hearing on her case.