Cambodian Prince To Be Tried In Absentia

The trial of a Cambodian prince accused of plotting to kill one of the country’s premiers will start Wednesday - without the prince.

Now living in exile in Paris, Prince Norodom Sirivudh says he cannot expect a fair trial and safety in Cambodia.

Despite Sirivudh’s announcement that he would not return, courts have scheduled the conspiracy trial for Wednesday, his lawyers said Monday.

A half-brother of King Norodom Sihanouk, the 44-year-old Sirivudh faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of plotting Co-Premier Hun Sen’s assassination. He also is charged with illegal weapons possession. Sirivudh denies the charges.