Political Prisoners Cambodia

Chao Veasna, 54
Sentenced: 5 years

Chao Veasna, an ethnic Khmer Krom, was a Poipet commune council deputy chief from the Candlelight Party (renamed from the Sam Rainsy Party after the law changed to ban the use of a person’s name in the name of a political party). During an anti-government protest outside the Poipet customs office in May 2015 at which Veasna was not present, military police fired warning shots to disperse protesters and seriously beat one protester. With commune elections scheduled for June 2017, on February 16, 2017, a Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court investigating judge questioned Veasna for four hours and sent him to Banteay Meanchey provincial prison in connection with the May 2015 protest. Veasna was charged with inciting the commission of a felony (articles 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code) and, as an accomplice, with intentional damage with aggravating circumstances (general aggravation and in relation to status of the victim) (articles 29, 410, 411 and 412), as well as with intentional damage with aggravating circumstances (using dangerous means and causing injury) (articles 413 and 414). On June 7, 2018, the Provincial Court convicted and sentenced Veasna to five years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay a total of approximately US$15,000 for damages to the customs office building and several cars.

Ismail Pin Osman, 45
 

Ismail Pin Osman was a reserve National Assembly candidate for the CNRP in Kampong Cham province in the 2013 national election. He is a member of the ethnic Cham Muslim community. He was arrested by anti-trafficking police in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district on February 9, 2018, after returning from Thailand, where he had fled under pressure from authorities to defect to the ruling CPP. He is currently in pre-trial detention on charges of unlawfully removing female workers for cross-border transfer (article 11 of the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation). If convicted, he faces from 7 to 15 years in prison.

Kem Sokha, 65
Released on bail on September 10, 2018, but placed under house arrest

Kem Sokha, leader of the now dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and a member of the National Assembly, was arrested around midnight on September 3, 2017 at his house in Phnom Penh. Eight Prime Minister bodyguard unit officers led a contingent of more than 100 police to carry out the arrest. In a highly unusual move, authorities immediately sent him to the remote Trapeang Phlong prison (Correctional Center 3), in Tbaung Khmom province near the border with Vietnam. On the basis of a false allegation that he had committed a crime in flagrante delicto (caught in the act of committing a crime), the National Assembly stripped him of his parliamentary immunity.

On September 5, 2017, prosecutors charged him with conspiring with a foreign power (article 443 of the Criminal Code). If convicted, he faces 15-30 years in prison. Sokha’s arrest came after Hun Sen accused him of plotting to topple the government with support from the United States based on a highly edited videotape of a speech Sokha gave in Australia in 2013. On May 26, 2018, the court summoned eight individuals – including members of nongovernmental organizations – to appear for questioning as witnesses in Sokha’s case.

On April 19, 2018, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in its Opinion No. 9/2018 declared Kem Sokha’s detention “arbitrary” and “politically motivated.”

Sokha had been previously convicted in 2016 on politically motivated charges for failure to appear as a witness against two CNRP parliamentary members detained in a fabricated prostitution case. The court sentenced him to five months in prison, but he remained under de facto house arrest, surrounded by CNRP supporters and police outside CNRP headquarters until December 2016, when he received a royal pardon.

On September 10, 2018, Sokha was released from prison and placed under house arrest. The court order specifically bans Sokha from meeting with “former officials of the Cambodian National Rescue Party… foreigners, especially those who may be involved in this case” and orders him to “refrain from a political meeting or other political activities…” Treason charges remain in force. If Sokha conducts any political activities or misses a court appearance he will be sent back to prison.

On March 3, 2019, Kem Sokha had been detained for 18-months. Under Cambodian law, the investigating judge has 18 months to determine whether to release a detained person or to charge and bring them to trial.

On March 19, the investigating judge rejected Sokha’s renewed request to drop the charges against him. The judge provided no update or additional information about the completion of his investigation and whether the case would be sent to trial.

Human Rights Watch has repeatedly pressed the Cambodian government to immediately and unconditionally release Kem Sokha.

Sam Sokha, 38
Sentenced: 2 years

Sam Sokha, a labor and opposition activist, was seen in an April 2017 video throwing her shoe at a CPP campaign billboard that contained photos of Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly President Heng Samrin. The 13-second video went viral on social media.

Sokha fled to Thailand after government called for her arrest. She received refugee status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). On January 25, 2018, the Kampong Speu Provincial Court convicted her in absentia of insulting a public official and incitement to discriminate (articles 494, 496 and 502 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced her to two years in prison and a fine of 5 million riels (US$1,250).

Despite her protected status as a refugee, Thai authorities arrested her and, over UNHCR and diplomatic objections, forcibly returned her to Cambodia on February 8, 2018. On February 9, Cambodian officials transferred her to Kampong Speu provincial prison to start serving her sentence.

Sokha filed a motion to seek a retrial in which she would be present, basing her argument on the provisions of article 365 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The Kampong Speu provincial court heard her motion on March 15, 2018, and upheld her conviction and prison sentence. She appealed that decision and on May 7, 2019, the Phnom Penh Appeals Court held a hearing in which Sokha and her lawyers were present to argue their case. On May 31,the court of appeal upheld the verdict.

In the meantime, in relation to comments Sokha made on Facebook during the time she sought refuge in Bangkok, a Phnom Penh prosecutor pursued additional charges of incitement to discriminate and public insult under articles 307, 494 and 496 of the Criminal Code. The charges arose in connection with a Kampong Speu provincial police commissariat report alleging Sokha had insulted Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife, Bun Rany. The Kampong Speu provincial court heard the case on December 6, 2018. On January 9, 2019, the court sentenced her to an additional two years in prison, accompanied by a fine of 5 million riel (US$1,250). She appealed this decision, and the Phnom Penh appeal court scheduled a hearing for May 6. However, for some unexplained reason, prison officials failed to transport Sokha to court, leading the judge to postpone her hearing. On May 31, the hearing took place with Sokha and her lawyers present. On June 21, the Phnom Penh appellate court upheld the verdict.

Ieng Cholsa, 26*
 

On June 14, 2018, the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cybercrime Department arrested Ieng Cholsa in Boeung Keng Kang II commune in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district. The charges involved insulting King Sihamoni in three Facebook posts dated June 13 and using drugs. According to local media, in his posts Cholsa called the monarch “useless” and a “dog king” and added three photos: a 500 Cambodian riel note, which features King Sihamoni’s portrait; a photo of drugs; and a shot of the king and the king’s mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. On June 18, 2018, the investigating judge charged him with insulting the king and making a death threat (article 233 of the Criminal Code). On December 18, 2018, the Phnom Penh municipal court tried his case but in violation of fair trial rights, neither Cholsa nor his lawyer were present. On January 9, 2019, a Cambodian court convicted Cholsa of lese majeste (insulting the monarchy) under article 437bis of Cambodia’s Criminal Code and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of five million riel ($1,250).

Kong Mas, 37
 

On January 16, 2019, police arrested Kong Meas, a youth member of the CNRP in Svay Rieng province, after he posted on Facebook that the EU was planning to impose a tariff on Cambodian rice. On January 19, the investigating judge sent him to pre-trial detention after charging him with public insult and incitement to commit a felony (articles 307 and 495 of Cambodia’s Penal Code). These are vague legal provisions commonly used by the authorities to criminalize and silence their critics. According to his lawyer, police took Kong Mas into custody without a court summons, an action that violates his due process rights under Cambodian criminal procedures. Kong Mas is a known government critic who in the past helped with the distribution of fliers produced by acting head of the CNRP Sam Rainsy, currently in exile. On May 6, 2019, the Supreme Court heard the defense lawyer’s arguments to release Kong Mas on bail and on May 10, denied the request.

Kong Raya, 28
 

On July 9, 2019, Phnom Penh police arrested a student activist, Kong Raya, his wife, sister, and brother-in-law for printing T-shirts in memory of prominent political commentator Kem Ley, and for selling them on Facebook. On July 10, 2016, Kem Ley had been fatally shot in broad daylight at a gas station in central Phnom Penh. While authorities released Raya’s family members after being forced to sign a “confession” that they would not repeat the act – a requirement that Cambodian authorities frequently impose on released activists – the authorities held Raya overnight at the Phnom Penh police station. On July 11, the Phnom Penh court charged Raya with incitement and sent him to pretrial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 1 (CC1). On August 13, 2019, the Phnom Penh court denied Raya bail.

On July 10, a group of Kem Ley supporters gathered at the Caltex gas station where Kem Ley had been killed in 2016. About 50 members of various security forces surrounded them and prevented them from laying floral wreaths or drinking coffee at the station while wearing T-shirts depicting Kem Ley. Those wearing shirts were required to take them off or place other garments over them.

In total, authorities detained nine people for marking the third anniversary of Kem Ley’s death.

In August 2015, Raya had been convicted of “incitement to commit a felony” for a Facebook post in which he called for a so-called “color revolution” – which the Cambodian government uses as a pretext to silence its critics – and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

Mai Hongsreang, 38
 

On July 30, 2019 at 8 a.m., Phnom Penh police arrested Mai Hongsreang, a former member of the CNRP in Preah Sihanouk province. Hongsreang had fled to Thailand in May 2019 fearing his arrest; shortly after his return police arrested him. Hongsreang had posted a comment on Facebook about the infighting between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Interior Minister Sar Kheng. In a more recent Facebook post he commented on Hun Sen’s health condition stating: “If you are sick, be true to yourself. When I am sick I still smile and accept the truth. Don’t get away from national duties and take photos with your grandchild happily. Is my nation not as worthy as your grandchild? You are surviving because you plunder the nation,” Before his arrest, he posted how he had escaped the police. The Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cybercrime Department questioned Hongsreang before he appeared before the Phnom Penh municipal court, which charged him with incitement to commit a felony and insult (articles 307 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention.

In the midst of a Cambodian government crackdown on the opposition ahead of July 2018 general elections, hundreds of opposition members fled abroad out of fear of arbitrary arrest. From January to June 2019 over 150 CNRP activists and members were summoned to court or police stations for questioning.

On September 26, 2019, the Phnom Penh municipal court conducted a one-day trial and on October 10, issued a guilty verdict, convicting Hongsreang of “incitement to commit a felony” (article 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

Men Voeun, 34
 

On March 31, 2018, the Serei Sophoan district police chief, accompanied by six officers, arrested Men Voeun, a Cambodian migrant worker just returned from Thailand, in Kampong Svay commune, Serei Sophoan district, Banteay Meanchey province. Police charged him for allegedly posting a video clip in February 2016 to Facebook that insulted Prime Minister Hun Sen. Banteay Meanchey provincial court investigating judge charged Men with public defamation and incitement to commit a felony (articles 307 and 495 of the Criminal Code) and ordered his pre-trial detention. He is being held in Banteay Meanchey provincial prison.

Chan Sophal
 

On the evening of May 28, 2019, a group of mixed commune, district and provincial police officers arrested former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, Chan Sophal. The same evening, police officers arrested Noeun Nim, another former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP, and Touch Sam Ath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province. The men are currently being held at Pursat provincial prison. Authorities allege the two men were involved in “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging.

On June 13, 2019, police arrested Nem Nath, another former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP. And on June 16, police arrested Prak Ren, a former elected Pramaoy commune council member for the CNRP, and Mong Phy, a former elected Ou Saom commune council member for the CNRP. Within 72 hours of their respective arrests, the Pursat provincial court charged all six with “illegal clearing of state land” (article 94 of Cambodia’s Forestry Law 2002).

None of these six former local CNRP officials owns land in the area they are accused to have illegally cleared land.  Chan Sophal was known to hold dinners at his house, bringing together members of the opposition, including the five.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has increased harassment of the opposition in 2019, with over 147 police or court summons issued against members and supporters of the CNRP based on allegations that they violated the Supreme Court decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. Many former local members and supporters continue to be vocal on social media, expressing support for leading figures of the CNRP who are currently in exile.

Toun Sam Ath
 

On the evening of May 28, 2019, a group of mixed commune, district and provincial police officers arrested former Touch Sam Ath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat. The same evening, police officers arrested province Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, Chan Sophal, and Noeun Nim, another former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP. After Sam Ath’s arrest, the officers sent him to the Bromuy commune health center due to health issues. The men are currently being held at Pursat provincial prison. Authorities allege the two men were involved in “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging.

On June 13, 2019, police arrested Nem Nath, another former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP. And on June 16, police arrested Prak Ren, a former elected Pramaoy commune council member for the CNRP, and Mong Phy, a former elected Ou Saom commune council member for the CNRP. Within 72 hours of their respective arrests, the Pursat provincial court charged all six with “illegal clearing of state land” (article 94 of Cambodia’s Forestry Law 2002).

None of these six former local CNRP officials owns land in the area they are accused to have illegally cleared land.  Chan Sophal was known to hold dinners at his house, bringing together members of the opposition, including the five.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has increased harassment of the opposition in 2019, with over 147 police or court summons issued against members and supporters of the CNRP based on allegations that they violated the Supreme Court decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. Many former local members and supporters continue to be vocal on social media, expressing support for leading figures of the CNRP who are currently in exile.

Nem Nath
 

On June 13, 2019, police arrested Nem Nath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP. On June 16, police arrested Prak Ren, a former elected Pramaoy commune council member for the CNRP, and Mong Phy, a former elected Ou Saom commune council member for the CNRP. Within 72 hours of their respective arrests, the Pursat provincial court charged all six with “illegal clearing of state land” (article 94 of Cambodia’s Forestry Law 2002). 

On the evening of May 28, 2019, a group of mixed commune, district and provincial police officers arrested former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, Chan Sophal. The same evening, police officers arrested Touch Sam Ath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, and Noeun Nim, another former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP. The men are currently being held at Pursat provincial prison. Authorities allege the two men were involved in “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging.

According to his relatives, Nem Nath was accused by authorities of inciting villagers to commit crimes. The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) alleged  that these arrests were an apparent attempt to intimidate opposition activists. LICADHO also said that Nem Nath’s arrest "was definitely politically motivated because Nem Nath was not involved in any illegal encroachment on public land. The activist is with the CNRP and he refused to defect to the [Cambodian People’s Party] CPP.”

None of these six former local CNRP officials owns land in the area they are accused to have illegally cleared land.  Chan Sophal was known to hold dinners at his house, bringing together members of the opposition, including the five.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has increased harassment of the opposition in 2019, with over 147 police or court summons issued against members and supporters of the CNRP based on allegations that they violated the Supreme Court decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. Many former local members and supporters continue to be vocal on social media, expressing support for leading figures of the CNRP who are currently in exile.

Prak Ren
 

On June 16, 2019, police arrested Prak Ren, a former elected Pramaoy commune council member for the CNRP. The same day, police arrested Mong Phy, a former elected Ou Saom commune council member for the CNRP. On June 16, police arrested Nem Nath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP. Within 72 hours of their respective arrests, the Pursat provincial court charged all six with “illegal clearing of state land” (article 94 of Cambodia’s Forestry Law 2002).

On the evening of May 28, 2019, a group of mixed commune, district and provincial police officers arrested former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, Chan Sophal. The same evening, police officers arrested Touch Sam Ath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, and Noeun Nim, another former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP. The men are currently being held at Pursat provincial prison. Authorities allege the two men were involved in “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging.

According to his relatives, Nem Nath was accused by authorities of inciting villagers to commit crimes. The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) alleged  that these arrests were an apparent attempt to intimidate opposition activists. LICADHO also said that Nem Nath’s arrest "was definitely politically motivated because Nem Nath was not involved in any illegal encroachment on public land. The activist is with the CNRP and he refused to defect to the [Cambodian People’s Party] CPP.”

None of these six former local CNRP officials owns land in the area they are accused to have illegally cleared land.  Chan Sophal was known to hold dinners at his house, bringing together members of the opposition, including the five.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has increased harassment of the opposition in 2019, with over 147 police or court summons issued against members and supporters of the CNRP based on allegations that they violated the Supreme Court decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. Many former local members and supporters continue to be vocal on social media, expressing support for leading figures of the CNRP who are currently in exile.

Noeun Nim
 

On the evening of May 28, 2019, a group of mixed commune, district and provincial police officers arrested Noeun Nim, a former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP. The same evening, police officers arrested former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, Chan Sophal, and Touch Sam Ath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province. The men are currently being held at Pursat provincial prison. Authorities allege the two men were involved in “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging.

On June 13, 2019, police arrested Nem Nath, another former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP. And on June 16, police arrested Prak Ren, a former elected Pramaoy commune council member for the CNRP, and Mong Phy, a former elected Ou Saom commune council member for the CNRP. Within 72 hours of their respective arrests, the Pursat provincial court charged all six with “illegal clearing of state land” (article 94 of Cambodia’s Forestry Law 2002).

None of these six former local CNRP officials owns land in the area they are accused to have illegally cleared land.  Chan Sophal was known to hold dinners at his house, bringing together members of the opposition, including the five.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has increased harassment of the opposition in 2019, with over 147 police or court summons issued against members and supporters of the CNRP based on allegations that they violated the Supreme Court decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. Many former local members and supporters continue to be vocal on social media, expressing support for leading figures of the CNRP who are currently in exile.

Mong Phy
 

On June 16, 2019, police arrested Mong Phy, a former elected Ou Saom commune council member for the CNRP. The same day, police arrested Prak Ren, a former elected Pramaoy commune council member for the CNRP. On June 13, police arrested Nem Nath, another former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP. Within 72 hours of their respective arrests, the Pursat provincial court charged all six with “illegal clearing of state land” (article 94 of Cambodia’s Forestry Law 2002).

On the evening of May 28, 2019, a group of mixed commune, district and provincial police officers arrested former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, Chan Sophal. The same evening, police officers arrested Touch Sam Ath, a former Pramaoy commune election candidate for the CNRP in Pursat province, and Noeun Nim, another former Ou Saom commune election candidate for the CNRP. The men are currently being held at Pursat provincial prison. Authorities allege the two men were involved in “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging.

None of these six former local CNRP officials owns land in the area they are accused to have illegally cleared land.  Chan Sophal was known to hold dinners at his house, bringing together members of the opposition, including the five.

Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has increased harassment of the opposition in 2019, with over 147 police or court summons issued against members and supporters of the CNRP based on allegations that they violated the Supreme Court decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. Many former local members and supporters continue to be vocal on social media, expressing support for leading figures of the CNRP who are currently in exile.

Net Sao, 65
 

On April 8, 2017, a group of military police and soldiers arrested Net Sao, a former CNRP Krayear commune councilor in Kampong Thom province, along with land rights activist and local CNRP supporter, Sun Chan Noeurn.

Net Sao ran as a commune chief candidate for the CNRP during the June 2017 commune council elections. He also intervened on behalf of several communities affected by land disputes in Krayear commune. Authorities arrested him while he was speaking to a group of community members and transported him to the provincial forestry department for questioning. The investigation focused on allegations he had disturbed and obstructed the work of law enforcement officers. On April 9, Kampong Thom provincial court formally charged him and Sun Chan Noeurn and sent both to pre-trial detention. On January 24, 2018, the same court convicted both Net Sao and Sun Chan Noeurn of obstructing deliberate duties and operations of officials (article 100 of the Forestry Law) and intentional violence (article 217 of the Cambodian Criminal Code) and sentenced both to three years in prison. On July 19, the Court of Appeal upheld the verdict.

Sun Chan Noeurn, 34*
 

On April 8, 2017, a group of military police and soldiers arrested Net Sao, a former CNRP Krayear commune councilor in Kampong Thom province, along with land rights activist and local CNRP supporter, Sun Chan Noeurn.

On April 9, Kampong Thom provincial court formally charged Sun Chan Noeurn and Net Sao and sent both to pre-trial detention. On January 24, 2018, the same court convicted Sun Chan Noeurn and Net Sao of obstructing deliberate duties and operations of officials (article 100 of the Forestry Law) and intentional violence (article 217 of the Cambodian Criminal Code) and sentenced both to three years in prison. On July 19, the Court of Appeal upheld the verdict.

Net Sao ran as a commune chief candidate for the CNRP during the June 2017 commune council elections. He also intervened on behalf of several communities affected by land disputes in Krayear commune.

Ouk Chetny
 

On June 19, 2018, five soldiers and forest rangers working with the authorities in Kbal Chhay province arrested Ouk Chetny, a former opposition CNRP commune council chief, and his father-in-law, Sam Sun. The following day, the Preah Sihanouk provincial court charged both with “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging (article 94 of Forestry Law 2002). They are being held in pre-trial detention in Preah Sihanouk prison. Ouk Chetny’s and Sam Sun’s arrest occurred when they were clearing forestland for farming and cultivation purposes on land they bought in 2017. Local NGOs criticized the authorities for acting too hastily to detain them, and calling for the release of the two men while a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted into the land issue at stake.

Sam Sun
 

On June 19, 2018, five soldiers and forest rangers working with the authorities in Kbal Chhay province arrested Ouk Chetny, a former opposition CNRP commune council chief, and his father-in-law, Sam Sun. The following day, the Preah Sihanouk provincial court charged both with “encroaching on state forest land” and illegal logging (article 94 of Forestry Law 2002). They are being held in pre-trial detention in Preah Sihanouk prison. Ouk Chetny’s and Sam Sun’s arrest occurred when they were clearing forestland for farming and cultivation purposes on land they bought in 2017. Local NGOs criticized the authorities for acting too hastily to detain them, and calling for the release of the two men while a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted into the land issue at stake.

Pan Soksovanny, 40
 

On February 1, 2019, after being followed by plainclothes police close to Phnom Penh’s Central Market, a group of military and Ministry of Interior police officers arrested Pan Soksovanny, a former opposition CNRP member from Krang Thnong commune, Pur Sunchey district, Phnom Penh. The arrest was carried out without an arrest warrant, and officials questioned him for two days at Phnom Penh’s National Police Commissariat. On February 3, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Soksovanny with public defamation and incitement to commit felony (articles 307 and 495 of the Criminal Code). Soksovanny allegedly had made posts critical of the government on Facebook, and expressed his support for acting CNRP president Sam Rainsy. On July 19, 2019, the Phnom Penh municipal court scheduled his first trial hearing; the verdict is due on August 16.

Rath Rott Mony, 47
 

On December 7, 2018, Thai authorities detained Rath Rott Mony, a dissident and former president of the Cambodian Construction Workers Trade Union Federation (CCFTUF), who had fled Cambodia because he feared arrest. Thai immigration officials acted based on a Cambodian government request to return Mony for prosecution.

Cambodia charged Mony based on his role supporting the Russia Today documentary “My Mother Sold Me,” which includes accounts of poverty-stricken families sending their daughters to engage in sex work. Cambodian authorities accused the documentary makers of paying the featured girls and their mothers to lie on camera as part of an effort to harm Cambodia’s reputation.

On December 12, the Thai government deported Mony to Cambodia. Cambodian authorities detained him at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison. The court charged him with “incitement to discriminate” (article 496 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code), a charge commonly used by Cambodian authorities to silence critics. The Phnom Penh municipal court denied his bail request, and on January 31, 2019, the Phnom Penh Appeal Court upheld that denial .

Human Rights Watch obtained a copy of a letter issued by Russia Today’s head of documentary department, Ekaterina Yakovleva, addressed to the Embassy of Cambodia in Moscow. The letter clarified Mony’s role in the production of the documentary. It stressed that during the period from January 22 to February 6, 2018, Mony acted as an interpreter, local fixer and liaison on the crew’s behalf with the Cambodian authorities. The letter further clarified Russia Today had received written consent from all Cambodian interviewees featured in the documentary. The letter stated the entire editing process of the documentary was done in Russia by Russia Today staff, and not by Mony, who was simply a consultant.

These statements contradict the allegations made on June 12 by the trial judge of the municipal court, which indicated that Mony had been involved in the production of the documentary.

On March 25, 2019, the investigating judge announced the closure of his judicial investigation and sent the case to trial. On May 30, the Phnom Penh municipal court held the first trial hearing. After three hours, which focused on Rath Rott Mony’s relationship with Moscow’s RT news service and his exact role in the production of “My Mother Sold Me,” the judge postponed the hearing until June 12, citing the absence of the two plaintiffs listed in the complaint, Tep Salin and her daughter Lim Sreyty, who is featured in the documentary. Mony repeated that he was merely providing translations and had no input in the content of the documentary. Mony’s lawyers had objected because they were denied an opportunity to question the plaintiff. On June 12, the two plaintiffs, Tep Salin and Lim Sreyty appeared in court, accusing Mony of promising to help them set up a hairdresser salon and laundry business in Phnom Penh in return for their testimony in the documentary. Changing their story – the mother never sold her daughter – they sought US$10,000 in damages from Mony.

On June 26, the court convicted Mony of “incitement to discriminate” (article 496 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code) and sentenced him to two years in prison, and imposed a hefty 70 million Cambodian riel (US$17,500) compensation payment that Mony must pay to the two plaintiffs. The verdict was delivered rapidly, in approximately 10 minutes in a courtroom filled with journalists, diplomats, and UN and NGO staffers.

Sorn Sam Neang, 37
 

On July 15, 2018, Kampong Thom provincial military police arrested Sorn Sam Neang, a former deputy military police chief in O Suosdei village, Baray commune, Baray district, Kampong Thom province. Sam Neang alleged in his Facebook posts that the military was involved in drug trafficking in Cambodia. There was no arrest warrant for the arrest, but authorities alleged that the Facebook posts adversely affected the military’s reputation.

In 2013, Sam Neang had posted documents on Facebook showing he received orders to crack down on drugs. Subsequently he stated that he was involved in a traffic stop of a car loaded with 172 kilograms of marijuana traveling from Preah Vihear province. He alleged he received a US$300,000 bribe to look the other way. The case was reopened in mid-July 2018, when national military police spokesman Brigadier General Eng Hy called on the Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate who received the US$300,000 in 2013, with the justification that other military officials may have been involved. He also alleged that Sam Neang had been taken to court several times in the past for other criminal offenses. Provincial military police commander Hang Thol alleged without basis that Sam Neang had “seized more than 100 kilograms of marijuana [… and after] seizing it, he hid the marijuana and did not report the matter hoping to extort money from the traffickers.” He stated that Sam Neang was “punished” later.

In 2017, the military dismissed Sam Neang from service, allegedly because of his repeated critical Facebook posts about the military, including documents on the drug case and the disappearance of 90 pieces of luxury rosewood confiscated from an arrested truck driver. He called the dismissal unjust.

On July 17, 2018, the Kampong Thom provincial court issued a detention order that sent him to pre-trial detention on the basis of public defamation and incitement to commit felony charges (articles 307 and 495 of Cambodia’s Penal Code). He faces up to two years in prison if convicted.

Sou Yean, 45
 

On April 22, 2019, Tbong Khmum provincial police arrested Sou Yean, a former opposition CNRP provincial councilor from Prey Treak village, Teak commune, Memot district, Tbong Khmum province.

Police based the arrest on his comments levelled at Prime Minister Hun Sen in a private message on Facebook. In his messenger chat, Sou Yean stated that Hun Sen was not keeping his promises such as protecting Cambodia’s forests and fighting corruption. At the end of his message, he wrote: “Hun Sen is just blind in one eye, while his supporters are blind in both eyes, and deaf too.” The private message was leaked and ended up in the hands of Pankhem Buthan, deputy chief of the prime minister’s cabinet and president of the Youth Federation of Senaneak, who soon filed a legal complaint against Sou Yean.

On April 23, the Tbong Khmum provincial court charged Sou Yean with incitement to commit a felony (article 495 of the criminal code) and placed him in pre-trial detention.

Soung Neak Poan, 29
 

On July 10, 2019, in commemoration of the third anniversary since the killing of prominent political commentator Kem Ley, student activist Soung Neak Poan distributed posters calling for an end to extrajudicial killings. Police arrested Soung Neak Poan as well as two other youth activist twin brothers, Chum Hout and Chum Hour, who had carried a flower wreath to place near the station where Ley was killed. At the Phnom Penh police station, Soung Neak Poan refused to sign a “confession” to refrain from similar activities in the future – a requirement that Cambodian authorities frequently impose on released activists – and thus police held Neak Poan overnight. The two twin brothers were released upon signing the confession. On July 12, Soung Neak Poan was charged with incitement to commit a felony and sent to pretrial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 1 (CC1). On August 13, 2019, the Phnom Penh court denied Neak Poan bail.

Tith Rorn, 37
 

Tith Rorn was an opposition CNRP activist and the son of former CNRP official Eam Tith. He was arrested on April 15, 2019, related to a 13-year-old assault charge, even though the statute of limitations had expired. He died on April 18, 2019, after less than 72 hours in police custody. Visible bruises on his body suggest he was beaten.

Cambodian authorities claim Tith Rorn fell in the bathroom of his jail cell due to “being addicted to alcohol,” but they failed to conduct an independent, thorough, and impartial investigation into the cause of death. His father stated that when “my son left home prior to his arrest, there were no bruises or injuries on him, and he wasn’t suffering from any illness.”

Activists and Tith Rorn’s family were dismissive of obviously edited video footage publicized by the Phnom Penh Post that was received from Kampong Cham provincial police headquarters. They are demanding a prompt, thorough, and independent investigation into his death.

Nou Phoeun, 42
 

On September 1, 2019, plain clothed police arrested former member of the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) Nou Phoeun, who contested as a CNRP candidate for the Baray commune council, Kampong Thom province. At the same time, authorities also arrested Sun Bunthon, who had been the former CNRP commune council member of Baray commune.

The authorities alleged he had shared information on Facebook that insulted Prime Minister Hun Sen and promoted information about the planned return of acting CNRP head, Sam Rainsy, to Cambodia.

The authorities justified conducting the arrest without an arrest warrant on the grounds that he was caught committing the act (“in flagrante delicto”), a justification commonly used by Cambodian authorities to shortcut judicial protections against arbitrary arrest. The authorities alleged that the information the two had shared on Facebook would cause public harm or constitute a threat of a crime about to be committed.

After arrest, the authorities held Phoeun overnight at Kampong Thom police station. On September 2, the Kampong Thom provincial court charged him with defamation, “public insult,” “incitement to commit felony,” and “discrediting a judicial decision” (respectively, articles 305, 307, 494, 495, and 523 of the Cambodian criminal code) as well as continuing to be active on behalf of a political party that had been dissolved by the Supreme Court, an allegation that is based on the repressive amendments of the Law on Political Parties (new article 42). The investigating judge ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Thom provincial prison.

Yat Phearum, 39
 

On September 13, 2019, Banteay Meanchey police arrested Yat Pearum, former Svay Chek district youth deputy chief for the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Banteay Meanchey province. He was one of six former CNRP activists who were arrested on September 13 and 14. 

The arrest was based on a warrant issued on September 10 by the Banteay Meanchey provincial prosecutor. The Banteay Meanchey provincial court charged Phearum with plotting a coup (article 453 of the Cambodian criminal code). The court also ordered his pre-trial detention at Banteay Meanchey provincial prison. On October 30, the investigating judge of the Banteay Meanchey provincial court is scheduled to question Phearum.

According to several news reports, Ministry of Interior officials accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy.

Tum Bunthan, 43
 

On September 13, 2109, police arrested Tum Bunthan, former CNRP youth activist of the dissolved opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), in Siem Reap province. He was one of six former CNRP activists who were arrested on September 13 and 14.

On September 14, 2019, the investigating judge of the Phnom Penh municipal charged him with plotting a coup (article 453 of the Cambodian criminal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison. On October 17, the investigating judge is scheduled to question Bunthan.

According to several news reports, Ministry of Interior officials accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy.

You Chantheany, 25
 

On September 13, 2019, Phnom Penh police arrested You Chantheany, former CNRP youth activist and CNRP online news presenter, in Phnom Penh. She was one of six ???

On September 14, the investigating judge of the Phnom Penh municipal court charged her with incitement to commit a felony and plotting a coup (articles 453, 494 and 495 of the Cambodian criminal code). The court ordered her pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison. On October 18, 2019, the investigating judge is scheduled to question Chantheany.

According to several news reports, Ministry of Interior officials accused her of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy.

Nuth Pich, 63
 

On August 17, 2019, Kampot police arrested Nuth Pich, a former Kampot provincial Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) official, for allegedly violating the Supreme Court’s decision that dissolved the CNRP in November 2017. The Kampot provincial court issued an arrest warrant against Pich on May 17, 2019, charging him with “discrediting judicial decisions” (article 523 of the Cambodia’s criminal code) and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 494 and 495 of the criminal code). Upon hearing about the arrest warrant, Pich went into hiding but was later apprehended.

Pich’s arrest is believed to be linked to the arrest of Nget Khouch on May 7, 2019 and subsequent uncovering of electronic evidence implicating Pich in a group chat. Kampot police arrested Khouch, a former Kampot provincial CNRP official, and detained him for two nights. Investigators were able to access Khouch’s mobile phone and allegedly saw messages exchanged between former CNRP members, in which they expressed support of the return to Cambodia of acting leader of the CNRP, Sam Rainsy. Pich was part of the group message.

Pich’s case marks the first arrest of a CNRP member based on allegations of having disobeyed the Supreme Court’s November 2017 dissolution decision.

Oun Saven, 64
 

On October 10, 2019, Kampong Cham police arrested Oun Saven, an activist of the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) at his home in Kampong Cham province. Authorities arrested his fellow CNRP activist Ly Kimheang on the same day.

On October 10, the prosecutor of the Kampong Cham provincial court issued a warrant for his arrest based on charges that he had plotted a coup and committed incitement to commit a felony (articles 453, 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Cham provincial prison.

The authorities accused him of gathering and disseminating information about a plan to topple the government, connected to the announcement that acting head of the CNRP, Sam Rainsy, will return to Cambodia.

Ly Kimheang, 47
 

On October 10, 2019, Kampong Cham police arrested Ly Kimheang, an activist of the dissolved opposition, Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) at his home in Kampong Cham province. Authorities arrested his fellow CNRP activist Oun Saven.

On October 10, the prosecutor of the Kampong Cham provincial court issued a warrant for his arrest based on charges that he had plotted a coup and committed incitement to commit a felony (articles 453, 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Cham provincial prison.

The authorities accused him of gathering and disseminating information about a plan to topple the government, connected to the announcement that acting head of the CNRP, Sam Rainsy, will return to Cambodia.

Ly Meng Kheang, 35
 

On September 14, 2019, police arrested Ly Meng Kheang, former Sa’ang district committee member of the dissolved opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kandal province. He was one of six former CNRP activists who were arrested on September 13 and 14.

The Kandal provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of the Cambodian criminal code) and ordered pre-trial detention at Kandal provincial prison. On October 10, the Phnom Penh Appeals Court denied his request for bail.

According to several news reports, Ministry of Interior officials accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy. Meng Kheang had eaten “Khmer noodles” with other former CNRP members and activists, which authorities used as a grounds to arrest him.

Ly Lin, 38
 

On September 14, police arrested Ly Lin, former elected Samraong Thom commune council chief for the dissolved opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), in Kandal province. He was one of six former CNRP activists who were arrested on September 13 and 14.

The Kandal provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of the Cambodian criminal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Kandal provincial prison. On October 10, the Phnom Penh Appeals Court denied his request for bail.

According to several news reports, Ministry of Interior officials accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy. Lin had eaten “Khmer noodles” with other former CNRP members and activists, which authorities took as a grounds to arrest him.

Chhun Thai Yuth, 56
 

On September 14, police arrested Chhun Thai Yuth, former first deputy commune chief of Prek Sdei commune in Koh Thom district, in Kandal province. He was one of six former CNRP activists who were arrested on September 13 and 14.

The Kandal provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of the Cambodian criminal code) and ordered pre-trial detention at Kandal provincial prison. On October 10, the Phnom Penh Appeals Court denied his request for bail.

According to several news reports, Ministry of Interior officials accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy. Thai Yuth had eaten “Khmer noodles” with other former CNRP members and activists, which authorities used as a grounds to arrest him.

Ngin Sophat, 56
 

On September 21, 2019, Rattanakiri provincial police arrested Ngin Sophat, a former district chief of Banlung town in Rattanakiri province for the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) and secretary of the provincial CNRP working group. On the same day, police arrested another former CNRP member, Thoun Bunthorn.

The Rattanakiri provincial court charged Sophat with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Rattanakiri provincial prison.

Sophat had recently made several Facebook posts supporting the announcement that acting CNRP head, Sam Rainsy, would return to Cambodia.

Thoun Bunthorn, 50
 

On September 21, 2019, Rattanakiri provincial police arrested Thoun Bunthorn, a former Rattanakiri provincial council member for the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) and the chair of the CNRP executive committee of Banlung town in Rattanakiri province. On the same day, police arrested another former CNRP member, Ngin Sophat.

The Rattanakiri provincial court charged Bunthorn with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Rattanakiri provincial prison.

Bunthorn had recently made several Facebook posts supporting the announcement that acting CNRP head, Sam Rainsy, would return to Cambodia.

Sreoun Sreang, 43
 

On September 26, 2019, Kampong Cham police arrested Sreoun Sreang, a former member of Kampong Cham provincial youth wing of the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

On September 26, the Kampong Cham provincial court issued a statement that Sreang had been charged with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Cham provincial prison.

Authorities accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy

Dong Sovannarith, 47
 

On October 1, 2019, Kampong Cham police arrested Dong Sovannarith in Sambo commune, Ba Theay district, Kampong Cham province. He was the former chair of Ba Theay district youth wing of the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

On September 28, the prosecutor of the Kampong Cham provincial court had issued a warrant for his arrest on the basis of charges of incitement to commit felony (article 495 of Cambodia’s penal code).

On October 9, the Kampong Cham provincial court charged him for a different crime: plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code), together with Horm Vuthy, another CNRP activist. The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Cham provincial prison.

Authorities accused him of wanting to topple the government on behalf of the CNRP’s acting president, Sam Rainsy.

Mean La, 31
 

On October 6, 2019, Poipet City and Tboum Khmum provincial police joined forces to arrest Mean La, a former Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) commune councilor in Dun Theay commune in Tboum Khmum province and Ponhea Krek district CNRP executive committee member.

On October 4, the Tboum Khmum provincial court charged her with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered her pre-trial detention at Tboum Khmum provincial prison.

The authorities accused her of having “gathered and mobilized citizens with a plot to lead a group to travel to Phnom Penh to participate in activities of toppling the government.”

Horm Vuthy, 47
 

On October 8, 2019, police arrested Horm Vuthy (also known as Van Pana) at Phnom Penh international airport while he was waiting to depart on a flight. He is a former vice chair of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) executive committee in Ba Theay district, Kampong Cham province.

On October 9, the Kampong Cham provincial court announced in a statement that he had been charged with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code), together with Dong Sovannarith, another CNRP activist. The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Cham provincial prison.

Chhim Marady, 40
 

On October 10, 2019, Kampong Speu police arrested Chhim Marady, a former activist of the dissolved opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kampong Speu province.

On October 10, the investigating judge of the Kampong Speu provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (article 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Speu provincial prison.

Khin Sok Heang
 

On October 7, 2019, Phnom Penh police arrested Khin Sok Heang at his home in Phnom Penh. He is the former chair of the Phnom Penh’s Prek Bra district executive committee of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

On October 7, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged him with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered he be sent to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

Tith Sophath
 

On October 7, 2019, Phnom Penh police arrested Tith Sophath at her home in Phnom Penh. She is the former elected Psar Depot II Tuol Kork council member from the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). She also served as a member of the CNRP Women’s Wing  in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district.

On October 7, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged her with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered her sent to pre-trial detention in Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

Om Yonn, 61
 

On October 9, 2019, Kampong Speu police arrested Om Yonn, an activist in the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kampong Speu province. He was arrested together with another former CNRP activist, Puy Takk.

On October 8, the investigating judge of the Kampong Speu provincial court charged him with incitement to commit felony and discrediting a judicial decision (articles 495 and 523 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Speu provincial prison.

Puy Takk, 37
 

On October 9, 2019, Kampong Speu police arrested Puy Takk, a former member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) executive committee in Borsedith district of  Kampong Speu province. He was arrested together with another CNRP activist, Om Yonn.

On October 8, a Kampong Speu provincial court investigating judge charged him with incitement to commit felony and discrediting a judicial decision (articles 495 and 523 of Cambodia’s penal code). The court ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Speu provincial prison.

At the time of his arrest, Puy Pakk was transporting meat to sell at a local market. Police also arrested his brother, Hun Tin (30 years old), who was with him at the market, on the basis that he had obstructed a police officer (article 503 of Cambodia’s penal code), but it is unclear whether he is still being held or whether he was formally charged with a crime.

Men Yorn
 

On October 12, 2019, police arrested Men Yorn, a former Samlot district party chief of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Battambang province. Police arrested him together with three other former CNRP members and activists in Battambang province: Dim Saroeun, Ley Sokhon, and Sok Phat.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued on October 11 by the prosecutor of the Battambang provincial court. The investigating judge charged him with plotting a coup under article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code. On October 13, authorities transferred Yorn to Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison for pre-trial detention.

Sok Phat
 

On October 12, 2019, police arrested Sok Phat, a former Samlot district party member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Battambang province. Police arrested him together with three other former CNRP members and activists in Battambang province: Dim Saroeun, Ley Sokhon, and Men Yorn.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued on October 11 by the prosecutor of the Battambang provincial court. The investigating judge charged him with plotting a coup under article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code. On October 13, authorities transferred Phat to Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison for pre-trial detention.

Ley Sokhon
 

On October 12, 2019, police arrested Ley Sokhorn, a former provincial party working group member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in charge of Samlot district in Battambang province. Police arrested him together with three other former CNRP members and activists in Battambang province: Dim Saroeun, Men Yorn, and Sok Phat.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued on October 11 by the prosecutor of the Battambang provincial court. The investigating judge charged him with plotting a coup under article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code. On October 13, authorities transferred Sokhon to Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison for pre-trial detention.

Dim Saroeun
 

On October 12, 2019, Battambang police arrested Dem Saroeun, a former elected provincial council member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). Police arrested him together with three other former CNRP members and activists in Battambang province: Men Yorn, Ley Sokhon, and Sok Phat.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued on October 11 by the prosecutor of the Battambang provincial court. The investigating judge charged him with plotting a coup under article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code. On October 13, authorities transferred Saroeun to Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison for pre-trial detention.

Pen Mom, 39
 

On October 12, 2019, police arrested Penh Mom (also known as Sambo Mom) in Phnom Penh. She is a former vice chair of the Kandor commune executive committee of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kampot province.

The arrest was based on a court summons issued on October 9 by the deputy prosecutor of the Kampot provincial court.

On October 14, the investigating judge of the Kampot provincial court charged her with plotting a coup under article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code and ordered her pre-trial detention at Kampot provincial prison.

Mom had made regular politically oriented posts on Facebook since the dissolution of the CNRP in November 2017. Authorities allege she was engaged in the public mobilization to support the return to Cambodia of the acting CNRP leader, Sam Rainsy.

Heng Sok
Released on August 28, 2018

On February 23, 2018, Heng Sok, a community representative for families involved in a land dispute in Kiri Sakor district, Koh Kong province, was detained and brought to the Koh Kong provincial police station by security forces working for Ly Yong Phat (LYP) Group, a business empire owned by powerful Cambodian People’s Party Senator Ly Yong Phat. Police arrested him based on a complaint filed by LYP Group about Heng Sok’s effort to demarcate a land boundary in a dispute between 50 local families and the LYP Group. The dispute concerns 103 hectares of land granted to the LYP Group as part of an agricultural economic land concession inside the Botum Sakor National Park. On February 25, 2018, the Koh Kong provincial court charged Heng Sok with use of violence against a possessor in good faith of immovable property (article 253 of the Land Management Law) and sent him to pre-trial detention. On August 21, 2018, the Koh Kong provincial court convicted Sok and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

Heng Sok was released on May 28, 2019, after serving his prison sentence.

Chhun Sithi
Sentenced: 1 year

Chhun Sithi, a CNRP commune councilor in Stung Kach commune, Pailin province, was arrested on October 24, 2017, a day after he posted a video clip on social media with a message to Prime Minister Hun Sen stating that he would not defect to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) even if the main opposition party, the CNRP, was dissolved or he was stripped of his position. On March 23, 2018, the Pailin Provincial Court convicted him of inciting the commission of a felony (article 495 of the Criminal Code) and insulting a public official (article 502). The court sentenced him to one year in prison with a fine of eight million riels (US$2,000).

Sithi was released on October 24, 2018, after completing his sentence.

An Batham, 37
Released on August 28, 2018

An Batham is a Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) youth member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters, and activists of Cambodia’s dissolved opposition party, the CNRP, and was convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges for events that occurred in July 2014 during a CNRP-led protest. On July 21, 2015, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Batham of participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code), in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards, and sentenced him to seven years in prison. On May 20, 2018, the Phnom Penh Court of Court of Appeal upheld both his conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Batham was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Heng Leakhena, 37
Sentenced: 1 year

Heng Leakhena (also known as Hin Van Sreypov), a former CNRP member, was arrested on July 12, 2017, at a local bus station after she had posted on Facebook a video in which she accused Prime Minister Hun Sen of ordering the murder of prominent political commentator Kem Ley. On January 11, 2018, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted her of inciting the commission of a felony (article 495 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced her to one-year in prison and a one million riel fine (US$250).

On July 13, 2018, Sreypov was released from prison after serving her prison sentence.

James Ricketson, 69
Sentenced: 6 years

James Ricketson, an Australian filmmaker, was arrested on June 3, 2017, on fabricated charges of “stealing information.” Authorities photographed him flying a drone without a permit over a political rally staged by the CNRP. On June 9, 2017, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged Ricketson with espionage (article 446 of the Criminal Code), claiming he gathered information for a foreign power that could damage national security. After a seven-day trial, on August 31, 2018, the Phnom Penh Court convicted him of espionage (articles 439 and 446) and sentenced him to six years in prison.

A month after his conviction, on September 21, Ricketson was granted a royal pardon by King Sihamoni. The government deported Ricketson to Australia the following evening. On September 25, Immigration Department chief Kem Sarin referred to a 2016 decree on deportation saying that “a person convicted of a crime in Cambodia is permanently barred from entering the Kingdom.” Ricketson had resided for over 23 years in Cambodia prior to his deportation.

Ke Khim, 35
Released on August 28, 2018

Ke Khim is a CNRP supporter. He is one of the 14 members of Cambodia’s now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges for events that occurred in July 2014 during a CNRP-led protest. On July 21, 2015, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced him to seven years in prison for participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code) in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards. After hearings from April 21 to 23, 2018, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal ruled on May 20 to uphold both the conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Khim was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Khin Chamreun, 34
Released on August 28, 2018

Khin Chamreun is a CNRP Phnom Penh youth chief. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the dissolved CNRP who were convicted on politically motivated insurrection charges for helping lead a CNRP-led protest in July 2014. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Chamreun in July 2015 of participating in and leading an “insurrectionary” movement (articles 456, 457, and 459 of the Criminal Code) in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards. The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison. In April 2018, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld both his conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Chamreun was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Kim Sok, 37
Released on August 17, 2018, after serving his prison sentence

Kim Sok, a political commentator, was arrested on February 17, 2017, and charged with criminal defamation and incitement based on a complaint filed by Prime Minister Hun Sen. The charges stemmed from an interview he gave to Radio Free Asia in which he alluded to the alleged involvement of the ruling CPP in the murder of prominent political commentator Kem Ley in July 2016. On August 10, 2017, a court convicted Sok of defamation (article 305 of the Criminal Code) and inciting the commission of a felony (articles 494 and 495) and sentenced him to 18 months in prison and a fine of 8 million riels (US$2,000) to be paid to the government and 800 million riels ($200,000) in damages to be paid to the CPP. On November 17, 2017, the Court of Appeal upheld both his conviction and sentence. On July 2, 2018, the Supreme Court also upheld the verdict. A second defamation complaint filed by Hun Sen is pending at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

On August 17, 2018, Kim Sok was released after serving his sentence. After his release Kim Sok said he would continue to speak out against the government and in favor of democracy. On August 28, a Phnom Penh judge issued a summons for Kim Sok to appear on September 14 on second charges of defamation and incitement. Kim Sok fled Cambodia to avoid arrest and reportedly because of threats made to his young daughter. In October 2018, Finland granted him asylum.

Meach Sovannara, 47
Released on August 28, 2018

Meach Sovannara was a CNRP candidate for parliament from Banteay Meanchey province and is a dual Cambodian and US national. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of Cambodia’s now-dissolved opposition CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges connected to July 2014 protests in Phnom Penh. On July 21, 2015, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Sovannara of participating in and leading an insurrectionary movement (articles 456, 457, and 459 of the criminal code), in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards. The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison. The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld his conviction and sentence on May 20, 2018.

On March 26, 2018, Prime Minister Hun Sen scolded officials of Correctional Center 1 for allegedly allowing Sovannara to use a mobile phone in prison and ordered them to remove it “immediately,” while telling Sovannara he would never “come out.”

On August 28, 2018, Sovannara was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Neang Sokhun, 34
Released on August 28, 2018

Neang Sokhun is a CNRP Chhbar Ampov district youth leader. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges in connection with July 2014 protests led by the CNRP. The Phnom Penh Municipal court convicted Sokhun on July 21, 2015, on charges of participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the criminal code). The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld his conviction and sentence on May 20, 2018.

On August 28, 2018, Sokhun was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Oeur Narith, 38
Released on August 28, 2018

Oeur Narith is one of the 14 CNRP officials, supporters and activists convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges in connection with a CNRP-led protest in July 2014 in Phnom Penh. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Narith, a CNRP public affairs officer, of participating in and leading an insurrectionary movement (articles 456, 457, and 459 of the criminal code), in a trial that violated the defendant’s fair trial rights and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment. The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence in a ruling released on May 20, 2018.

On August 28, 2018, Narith was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Ouk Pich Samnang, 54
Released on August 28, 2018

Ouk Pich Samnang is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the now-dissolved CNRP convicted on politically motivated insurrection charges in connection with a CNRP-led protest in July 2014. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court found him guilty of participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced him to seven years in prison. Both the conviction and prison sentence were upheld by the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal on May 20, 2018.

Authorities harassed Samnang in a separate case related to an October 2014 protest outside Hun Sen’s house. A farming community from Preah Vihear province protested and demanded that the government help solve their land dispute. On September 10, 2015, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Samnang of committing intentional violence and obstructing authorities despite the prosecutors’ failure to present evidence of wrongdoing. The judge sentenced him to two years in prison and ordered him to pay 10 million riels (US$2,500) in damages to pay for medical treatment of injured security guards and damaged Daun Penh district security equipment. On July 20, 2016, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld his conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Samnang was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Roeun Chetra, 34
Released on August 28, 2018

Roeun Chetra is a CNRP youth member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the now-dissolved opposition CNRP who was convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges for events that occurred in July 2014 during a CNRP-led protest. Authorities arrested Chetra, on August 4, 2015. On June 13, 2016, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted him of participation in an insurrectionary movement (article 457 of the Criminal Code), intentional acts of violence (article 218) and inciting the commission of a felony (article 495), in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment.

On August 28, 2018, Chetra was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

San Kimheng, 31
Released on August 28, 2018

San Kimheng is a CNRP district youth leader from Tuol Kork in Phnom Penh. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection for events that occurred in July 2014 during a CNRP-led protest. On July 21, 2015, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Kimheng of participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code), in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards and sentenced him to seven years in prison. After appeal hearings from April 21 to 23, 2018, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld both the conviction and prison sentence on May 20.

On August 28, 2018, Kimheng was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

San Seihak, 31
Recently Released

San Seikhak is a CNRP youth member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges for events that occurred in July 2014 during a CNRP-led protest. Along with the others, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Seikhak on July 21, 2015, of participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code), in a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards. The court sentenced Seikhak to seven years in prison. After appeal hearings from April 21 to 23, 2018, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal on May 20 upheld both the conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Seikhak was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Sourn Serey Ratha, 44
Released on August 23, 2018

Sourn Serey Ratha, a dual Cambodian-US citizen, is the founder and president of the Khmer People Power Movement (KPPM) and later the Khmer Power Party (KPP). He was arrested on August 13, 2017 for criticizing the deployment of Cambodian troops to the Lao border during a trip by Prime Minister Hun Sen to Laos in mid-2017 to settle a border dispute between the two countries. On August 14, authorities charged Ratha with inciting military personnel to disobedience (article 471 of the Criminal Code), demoralizing the army (article 472) and inciting the commission of a felony (articles 494). On August 25, 2017, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Ratha and sentenced him to five years in prison and fined him 10 million riels (US$2,500). On October 12, 2017, the Court of Appeal upheld his conviction. On May 18, 2018, the Supreme Court also did.

The government has labelled Ratha’s KPPM party a terrorist group. While in self-imposed exile in 2015, a court convicted Ratha in absentia for endangering government institutions or violating the integrity of the national territory (article 453) and of using force or violence to deter eligible voters from voting (article 124 of the Law on Election of Members of the National Assembly). The court sentenced him to seven years in prison. Upon Hun Sen’s request, King Sihamoni pardoned Ratha on July 10, 2015, thereby allowing him to return to Cambodia without fear of imprisonment. In March 2015, the Ministry of Interior gave permission to Ratha to form a political party to contest in the elections: Ratha formed the Khmer Power Party.

In December 2015, Ratha filed a complaint against Foreign Minister Hor Namhong for defamation and incitement because the minister had failed to write an official apology letter, recanting his allegation that his KPP party had committed terrorist acts.

On May 15, 2018, Ratha posted a letter on his Facebook page, apologizing to Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Armed Forces and seeking a pardon. He was released on August 23, 2018 after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni based on a request by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Sum Puthy, 50
Released on August 28, 2018

Sum Puthy is a CNRP Chhbar Ampov district council member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of Cambodia’s now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges for events that occurred in July 2014 during a CNRP-led protest. With the others, Puthy was tried on July 21, 2015 in a judicial process that did not meet international fair trial standards. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Puthy of participating in an insurrectionary movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment. After appeal hearings from April 21 to 23, 2018, the Court of Appeal on May 20 upheld both his conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Puthy was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Tep Narin, 31
Released on August 28, 2018

Tep Narin is a CNRP youth member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of Cambodia’s now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges for events that occurred during a July 2014 CNRP-led protest. On July 21, 2015, Narin was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of participating in an “insurrectionary” movement (articles 456 and 457 of the Criminal Code), in a speedy trial that violated the defendant’s fair trial rights and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. After appeal hearings from April 21 to 23, 2018, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld on May 20 both the conviction and prison sentence.

On August 28, 2018, Narin was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Tep Vanny, 36
Released on August 20, 2018, but convicted four days later in a separate case – enforcement of that suspended prison sentence is pending appeal

Tep Vanny is a prominent community land rights activist in Phnom Penh and the recipient of the 2013 Vital Voices Global Leadership Award.

Vanny long opposed the government’s now completed plan to drain Boeung Kak lake for high-end residences and commercial properties, which the city rented to Shukaku Inc., a private company led by ruling CPP Senator Lao Meng Khin. Authorities arrested her on August 15, 2016, during a peaceful protest. On August 22, 2016, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Vanny and Bov Sophea, a fellow community member, of insulting a public official (article 502 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced them both to the six days they had already served in pre-trial detention.

The authorities then restarted long-dormant politically motivated charges against Vanny. On September 19, 2016, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Vanny and three other Boeung Kak lake community members (Kong Chantha, Bo Chhorvy, and Heng Mom) for obstructing a public official with aggravating circumstances and insulting a public official (articles 502 and 504) and sentenced them to six months in prison. The charges stemmed from their participation in a protest in November 2011 outside the Phnom Penh municipality office, where they demanded justice in the Boeung Kak land dispute. On February 23, 2017, the Court of Appeal upheld their conviction and prison sentence. On December 8, 2017, the Supreme Court agreed, though the Supreme Court’s presiding judge left the enforcement of the prison sentence to the discretion of the prosecutor, so none of the four women have yet served their prison sentence.

For Vanny’s participation in a protest outside Hun Sen’s house in March 2013, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted her on February 23, 2017 of intentional violence with aggravating circumstances (article 218) and sentenced her to two and a half years in prison and a fine of 5 million riels (approximately US$1,250). The court also ordered Vanny to pay compensation of 9 million riels (approximately $2,250) to two security guards, the plaintiffs who alleged injury. The court denied consideration of video evidence showing that the two security guards were responsible for the violence, in a trial that otherwise did not meet international fair trial standards. On August 8, 2017, the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, as did the Supreme Court on February 8, 2018.

On August 23, 2018, Tep Vanny was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni. Four days later, on August 27, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted her and five fellow community members of making death threats related to a community dispute. Although the complainant retracted her complaint, the prosecutor and investigating judge continued to pursue the case. The court sentenced all six to suspended six-month prison sentences; the suspension is conditional for five years, during which the sentence may be enforced against any of the defendants who are found guilty of having committed a crime.

Um Sam An, 44
Released on August 25, 2018

Um Sam An is a dual US-Cambodian national and a former Member of Parliament of the now-dissolved CNRP. In May 2015, Sam An left Cambodia for the United States to seek evidence that would substantiate his allegations that Prime Minister Hun Sen had used the wrong maps to demarcate the Cambodia-Vietnam border. He was arrested on his return to Cambodia on April 11, 2016, on the basis of a post he made on Facebook that included his findings on the politically contentious dispute. Although covered by parliamentary immunity, prosecutors used a loophole in the law – permitting prosecutions for crimes in flagrante delicto (caught in the act), to bring him to trial. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Sam An on October 10, 2016 of inciting the commission of a felony (article 495 of the Criminal Code) and inciting racial discrimination (article 496) and sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. The court also fined him 4 million riels (US$1000). On October 27, 2017, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction and prison sentence. After further appeals, the Supreme Court again upheld the conviction and prison sentence.

On August 25, 2018, Sam An was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Horn Sophanny, 25
Sentenced: 2 years

Venerable Horn Sophanny is an activist member of the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice, a group led by monk But Buntenh. Authorities arrested and defrocked Sophanny on June 21, 2017. He was charged with illegal possession of a weapon after he had posted a photo of himself on social media posing with a toy gun, accompanied by a statement that he needed a gun to protect himself from what he called Prime Minister Hun Sen’s upcoming “civil war” during the 2018 elections. On December 19, 2017, the Battambang Provincial Court convicted Sophanny of inciting the commission of a felony (article 495 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced him to two years in prison.

On June 21, 2019, authorities released Sophanny after he completed his sentence.

Uon Chhin, 49
Released on bail August 21, 2018

Uon Chhin, a former Radio Free Asia (RFA) cameraman, was arrested on November 14, 2017, in Phnom Penh, on the same day as his colleague Yeang Sothearin. The arrests occurred two months after the RFA shut down its Cambodia operations, alleging government harassment of its reporters. Prosecutors filed baseless espionage charges, accusing Chhin and Sothearin of illegally setting up a broadcast studio with the purpose of continuing to file news reports for RFA’s headquarters in Washington, DC. On November 18, 2017, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court formally charged Chhin with supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to Cambodia’s national defense (article 445 of the Criminal Code). If convicted, he faces between 7 to 15 years in prison. The court has repeatedly denied his bail requests.

In March 2018, prosecutors brought unfounded charges against Chhin and Sothearin that they produced pornography in violation of the Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation. If convicted of these additional charges, they face 16 years in prison.

While Chhin was released on August 21, 2018, the charges against him were not dropped.

On March 15, 2019, the investigating judge issued a closing order to end his judicial investigation, and sent Chhin’s and Sothearin’s cases to trial. On July 26, 2019, the judge of the Phnom Penh court scheduled the first trial hearing. On July 26, the trial began and was continued on August 9. The verdict related to their espionage charges will be delivered on August 30. The second set of charges will be heard on August 30.

Yeang Sothearin, 35
Released on bail August 21, 2018

Yeang Sothearin, Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) former Phnom Penh bureau office manager and a news editor, was arrested on November 14, 2017, in Phnom Penh on the same day as his colleague Uon Chhin. The arrests occurred two months after the RFA shut down its Cambodia operations, alleging government harassment of its reporters. Prosecutors filed baseless espionage charges, accusing Sothearin and Chhin of illegally setting up a broadcast studio with the purpose of continuing to file news reports for RFA’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged Sothearin on November 18, 2017, with supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to Cambodia’s national defense (article 445 of the Criminal Code). He faces 7 to 15 years in prison if convicted and has been repeatedly denied bail since his arrest.

In March 2018, prosecutors brought unfounded charges against Chhin and Sothearin that they produced pornography in violation of the Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation. If convicted of these additional charges, they face 16 years in prison.

While Sothearin was released on August 21, 2018, the charges against him were not dropped.

On March 15, 2019, the investigating judge issued a closing order and ended his judicial investigation, and sent Sothearin’s and Chhin’s case to trial. On July 26, 2019, the judge of the Phnom Penh court scheduled the first trial hearing. On July 26, the trial began and was continued on August 9. The verdict related to their espionage charges will be delivered on August 30. The second set of charges will be heard on August 30.

Yea Thong, 27
Released on August 28, 2018

Yea Thong is a CNRP youth member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges connected to events during a CNRP-led protest in July 2014. Authorities arrested him on August 4, 2015. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted him on June 13, 2016, on charges of participation in an insurrectionary movement (article 457 of the Criminal Code), intentional acts of violence (article 218) and inciting the commission of a felony (article 495) and sentenced him to seven years in prison after a trial that did not meet international fair trial standards.

On August 28, 2018, Thong was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Yun Kimhour, 29
Released on August 28, 2018

Yun Kimhour is a CNRP youth member. He is one of the 14 officials, supporters and activists of the now-dissolved CNRP convicted of politically motivated insurrection charges connected to a July 2014 CNRP-led protest. Authorities arrested him on August 4, 2015. On June 13, 2016, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Kimhour of participating in an insurrectionary movement (article 457 of the Criminal Code), intentional acts of violence (article 218), and inciting the commission of a felony (article 495) and sentenced to seven years in prison. The trial failed to meet international fair trial standards.

On August 28, 2018, Kimhour was released after a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Ban Samphy, 70
 

On May 13, 2018, Ban Samphy, former head of the CNRP in Siem Reap province, shared a post on Facebook that included a photo of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife, Bun Rany, and a photo of King Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by a video clip of angry villagers affected by flooding. His post compared the king unfavorably to Cambodia’s former kings. On May 20, 2018, the police in Chikreng district, Kampong Kdey commune, Siem Reap province, arrested Samphy and questioned him. The investigating judge of the Siem Reap Provincial Court charged Samphy the same day with “insult of the king” (article 437 bis of Cambodia’s Criminal Code), which carries a punishment of up to five years in prison. He is currently in pre-trial detention.

On October 4, a court in Siem Reap convicted Samphy of lese majeste and sentenced him to one year in prison. The sentence would require him to serve seven months in prison and suspend the remaining five months.

However, on January 28, 2019, the Court of Appeals conducted a hearing in Samphy’s absence. During the hearing, the deputy prosecutor appealed to the judge to impose a heftier sentence on Samphy. Siem Reap provincial court spokesperson Yin clarified that due to the prosecutor’s appeal complaint, Samphy could not be released. On February 12, 2019, the Appeal Court sentenced him to a one-year prison term, two months of which were suspended. Prison authorities released Samphy on March 22.

Kheang Navy, 50
 

Kheang Navy, a primary school headteacher in Cambodia’s Kampong Thom province, was arrested on May 13, 2018. Police questioned him for hours without a lawyer present. He remains in pre-trial detention and faces 1-5 five years in prison, a large fine for a May 12, 2018 social media post blaming the king and the Cambodian royal family for the 2017 dissolution of Cambodia’s main opposition party, the CNRP, as well as for the “loss of Khmer land.” Navy allegedly posted the comment on the Facebook page of a Kampong Thom government official who had attended a celebration of King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday in Kampong Thom province. Under article 437 bis, the new lese majeste law, prosecutors may bring a criminal lawsuit on behalf of the monarchy against anyone deemed to have insulted the royal family.

On October 1, 2018, the Kampong Thom provincial court convicted Navy of lese majeste. The court sentenced him to two years in prison, with the first six months in prison and the rest of the sentence suspended. On November 13, 2018, Navy was released from prison.

Sun Bunthon, 47
 

On September 1, 2019, plainclothes police arrested former member of the dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sun Bunthon, who had been the CNRP commune council member of Baray commune, Kampong Thom province. At the same time, authorities also arrested Nou Phoeun, who previously contested as a CNRP candidate for the Baray commune council.

The authorities alleged he had shared information on Facebook that insulted Prime Minister Hun Sen and promoted information about the planned return of acting CNRP head, Sam Rainsy, to Cambodia.

The authorities justified conducting the arrest without an arrest warrant on the grounds that he was caught committing the act (“in flagrante delicto”), a justification commonly used by Cambodian authorities to shortcut judicial protections against arbitrary arrest. The authorities alleged that the information the two had shared on Facebook would cause public harm or constitute a threat of a crime about to be committed.

After arrest, the authorities held Bunthon overnight at Kampong Thom police station. On September 2, the Kampong Thom provincial court charged him with defamation, “public insult,” “incitement to commit felony,” and “discrediting a judicial decision” (respectively, articles 305, 307, 494, 495, and 523 of the Cambodian criminal code) as well as continuing to be active on behalf of a political party that had been dissolved by the Supreme Court, an allegation that is based on the repressive amendments of the Law on Political Parties (new article 42). The investigating judge ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Thom provincial prison.

On October 11, the authorities released him on bail after he confessed at the Kampong Thom provincial police headquarters, but the charges stand.

Ros Kimsieng, 34
 

On September 1, 2019, Kampong Thom provincial police arrested Ros Kimsieng, former CNRP provincial youth chief for Kampong Thom province, together with two other former members of the dissolved main opposition, Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sun Bunthon and Nou Phoeun.

Police claimed Kimsieng had shared public information related to the announced return of the acting CNRP head, Sam Rainsy, to Cambodia. 

The authorities justified conducting the arrest without an arrest warrant on the grounds that he was caught committing the act (“in flagrante delicto”), a justification commonly used by Cambodian authorities to shortcut judicial protections against arbitrary arrest. The authorities alleged that the information the two had shared on Facebook would cause public harm or constitute a threat of a crime about to be committed.

After arrest, the authorities held Kimsieng overnight at Kampong Thom police station. On September 2, the Kampong Thom provincial court charged him with defamation, “public insult,” “incitement to commit felony,” and “discrediting a judicial decision” (respectively, articles 305, 307, 494, 495, and 523 of the Cambodian criminal code) as well as continuing to be active on behalf of a political party that had been dissolved by the Supreme Court, an allegation that is based on the repressive amendments of the Law on Political Parties (new article 42). The investigating judge ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Thom provincial prison.

On September 3, Kampong Thom police detained Ros Kimsieng’s brother-in-law, Heng Soknim, for taking photos inside the courtroom, which is prohibited.  However, the authorities held him for two days at the provincial police station before releasing him on September 5.  The authorities apparently let him go after instructing him on lawful conduct inside a courtroom.

On October 11, the authorities released him on bail after he provided a confession at the Kampong Thom provincial police headquarters. According to the Phnom Penh Post, he urged former CNRP members and supporters not to listen to Sam Rainsy’s “provocation and appeals.”