Phnom Penh, Jul 13 (IANS): A Cambodian man who was arrested on suspicion of slaying prominent Cambodian political analyst Kem Ley could face life imprisonment if convicted, a court said on Wednesday.

Chuob Samlab, 38, was arrested after he shot dead Kem Ley, director of the Organisation for Social Development, in Phnom Penh on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"After questioning and examining documents and evidence in the murder case on Ley, the prosecutor decided to charge the suspect with two counts -- premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm," an official said.

Premeditated murder would be punished by a life imprisonment while illegal possession of weapon would invvite jail from six months to three years.

On Sunday, Chuob Samlab was arrested with a Glock pistol shortly after the crime, a police official said.

The suspect confessed to the crime, saying he got angry with Kem Ley, who owed him $3,000 but did not repay, the official added.

The police, however, did not believe the suspect's confession and a full investigation was still going on.