Cambodia braces for showdown with EU over opposition icon

Garment industry stands to lose access to biggest market if Sam Rainsy is arrested

20191101N Cambodia riot police

Cambodian riot police are seen in Phnom Penh. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s planned return coincides with Independence Day and security personnel across the Kingdom have been put on alert over the past few weeks. © Getty Images

TOMOYA ONISHI, Nikkei staff writer

HANOI -- Cambodia's main opposition leader is expected to return from self-imposed exile in about a week, setting up a potential showdown between Prime Minister Hun Sen's government and the European Union that could deal a serious blow to the country's garment industry.

Sam Rainsy, the former head of the now defunct Cambodia National Rescue Party, is set to return to Cambodia from France on Nov. 9, Cambodia's Independence Day. 

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