CAMBODIA’S government launched a legal bid to dissolve the biggest opposition party yesterday, claiming it was plotting a coup with US help.

Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak said the ministry had filed a motion with the Supreme Court asking for the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to be dissolved on the grounds that it was involved in a plot to topple Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The ministry claimed to be acting following complaints by smaller parties, though the move is part of an intensifying clampdown on opposition which has included shutting newspapers and radio stations.