PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously adopted a law that forbids insulting the monarchy as rights groups expressed concern the legislation, in effect in neighboring Thailand, could be used against critics of the government.

The lese-majeste law stipulates that a prosecutor can file a criminal suit on behalf of the monarchy against anyone deemed to be insulting the royal family.


Those found guilty would face between one and five years in prison and a fine of between $500 and $2,500.


“An insult is expressed in words, gestures, writing, painting or objects that affect personal dignity,” Pen Panha, head of the parliamentary Commission on Legislation and Justice, told parliament.


King Norodom Sihamoni is officially Cambodia’s head of state, but long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled the Southeast Asian country for more than 33 years.


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