Cambodia accuses foreign law firms of introducing anarchy

Long-running hostility towards foreign lawyers has erupted again through a statement from a senior court official telling state prosecutors to 'eliminate the anarchy' produced by the activity of foreign law firms.

Phnom Pen

The Prosecutor General of the Court of Appeal, Ouk Savuth, says in a letter to other prosecutors: 'To protect the professionalism of the bar association, we have to cooperate to respect the rule of law, especially the law on the legal profession, and work together to eliminate the anarchy from foreign lawyers who are practicing without registering in Cambodia.' The letter does not state specifically what needs to be done. 

US Ambassador

The US Ambassador to Cambodia, William Todd, has entered the discussion. He mentioned the role of the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC) in a recent blog: 'By preventing companies from working with the law firms of their choice, BAKC’s actions discourage foreign companies from investing in Cambodia.' A source from a foreign law firm suggested that the setting of clear rules for foreign practices would be useful. Source: Phnom Pen Post

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