Cambodia opposition leaders summoned to court

Cambodia's opposition leaders have been summoned to court on suspicion of inciting civil unrest, their party said, after the government of strongman premier Hun Sen moved to suppress growing street protests.

Hun Sen faces an increasing challenge to his nearly three-decade rule from striking garment workers as well as opposition supporters demanding that he step down and call a new election because of alleged vote fraud.

Police have indefinitely banned further rallies, including one which had been planned for Sunday, after several demonstrators were shot dead on Friday.

Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy and his deputy Kem Sokha have been summoned to Phnom Penh Municipal Court on January 14 for questioning "in the case of incitement to commit criminal offences or serious social unrest", according to warrants posted on the opposition website late Saturday.

Rainsy told reporters they were ready to defend themselves at the hearing.

"We have done nothing wrong. On the contrary, it will be an opportunity for us to help expose the truth," he said.