Officials at the Ministry of Justice say they cannot transfer the case of a jailed opposition supporter away from the authorities.
The Cambodia National Rescue Party had written a request to the ministry to release Meach Sovannara, who was arrested last week on a warrant pertaining to violent demonstrations in July.
But ministry officials said in a response to the party the case must remain with the courts.
Meach Sovannara, a former Radio Free Asia reporter, is facing a hefty sentence on charges of insurrection, for allegedly orchestrating violence in a July 15 protest.
He has denied the charges, saying he called on protesters to practice non-violence.
The demonstration later devolved, with protesters turning on security guards, leading to several arrests of opposition members, and, last week, Meach Sovannara.
