Cambodian PM accuses opposition leader of attempting to overthrow gov't

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday accused Kem Sokha, vice-president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), of leading post- election protests in 2013 in a plot to topple the government.

"You are on suspicion of leading (street protests) to topple the legitimate government," Hun Sen said in a speech at a scholarship awarding ceremony at the University of Cambodia.

The prime minister said Kem Sokha wanted to overthrow his government through street protests, not through elections.

CNRP issued a statement on Thursday, denying that Kem Sokha has used the phrases "toppling the government".

"The (Kem Sokha's) remarks refer to the change through elections, not through toppling," the statement said.