Cambodia Prince Ranariddh said on Sunday that he will not return to Cambodia to attend the court over corruption charges, because the court is "biased" and the lawsuit is "politically motivated", local radio reported.

The Cambodian court is biased, not independent, has irregularity in trial and is in the hand of an influential person, local radio quoted him as saying from Malaysia.

"I will not return to Cambodia to face the court on March 13," he said.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court plans to summon him on Tuesday, for the Funcinpec Party, which he headed before October 2006, filed a lawsuit to accuse him of pocketing some 3.6 million U.S. dollars from selling the party's headquarters.

The prince denied the accusation, insisting that the party's steering committee should be held responsible for the sale, not himself only.

Meanwhile, members of the Norodom Ranaridhh Party (NRP) across the country have thumb-printed petitions, urging him not to return home for his trial on Tuesday. They plan to demonstrate to demand justice for him and the other people.

Chiv Keng, director of the court, said last week that the court is unbiased and is handling the case fairly.

In addition, Nhiek Bun Chhay, Secretary General of the Funcinpec Party, said earlier this week that the party will insist on demanding justice from the court.

For neglecting party affairs and being unable to cooperate with Prime Minister Hun Sen, the prince was ousted as Funcinpec president in October 2006 and later established NRP.

Source: Xinhua