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.

On August 13, 2019, the Phnom Penh court convicted him and sentenced him to the maximum 15 years in prison.

The court also convicted his uncle Ahmad Yahya , former Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation secretary of state, for the same offense and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

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).

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.

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.

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.

On October 28, the Supreme Court denied his appeal for bail, which Mony had filed in January before he was convicted in June. The authorities did not bring Mony to the courtroom to hear the court’s decision on his appeal.

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.

Sok Oudom
 

On May 13, 2020, Kampong Chhnang police arrested Sok Oudom, owner of the Rithysen Radio station in Kampong Chhnang province, alleging he committed  “incitement to commit a felony” (article 495 of Cambodia’s penal code).

Local police questioned him before sending him on May 14 to the Kampong Chhnang provincial court for further questioning. The police claimed that there was a complaint against the radio station but did not elaborate who the complainant was or what the allegations were about. The police argued that Sok Oudom’s broadcasts encouraged people to occupy state land at Phnom Oral Wildlife Sanctuary in Kampong Chhnang province. Oudom is held in pre-trial detention at Kampong Chnnang provincial prison, awaiting his trial.

On May 12, the Ministry of Information revoked the media license for Rithysen Radio Station’s broadcasting on FM99.75 and the radio station’s website. The ministry claimed, but provided no evidence, that the station was “publishing information which is exaggerated information, contains incitement to violence, provocation to commit discrimination and provocation to cause social insecurity and chaos.”

Oudom regularly reported on longstanding land disputes between local farming communities and powerful district officials. Local human rights NGO monitors said about the radio owner that “he always cares a lot about injustice in the society, the destruction of public property and abuses by the powerful .”

Kak Komphear, 54
 

On May 31, 2020, police arrested Kak Komphear, a former senior CNRP member in Phnom Penh, while he was fleeing to Takeo province. According to the arrest warrant, the authorities ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar Correctional Center (CC1) based on charges of “plotting” and “incitement to commit to a felony” (articles 453, 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) in a case file dated February 20, 2019 (Case file no. 1140).

In a separate case (Case file no. 354) dated January 18, 2019, the Phnom Penh municipal court had convicted Komphear in absentia of instigating insult and incitement to commit a felony (articles 28, 494, 495 and 502 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sentenced him to one year and eight months in prison. As a result of staying in hiding, he has not yet served this prison sentence. The charges were based on allegations that he had participated in the government-labelled “Clean Finger” election boycott campaign around which the government manufactured a bogus narrative that the campaign was a coup by the opposition against the government.

CNRP leader Mu Sochua  told VOD News that Komphear had been in hiding for over a year out of fear of being arrested. Before his arrest, he had received a phone call from an unidentified man asking him to identify himself on the phone. Later he noticed a man on a motorbike parked in front of his house in Phnom Penh, suspecting that he was going to be arrested. Thereupon, Komphear fled to Takeo by car but the authorities stopped his car and arrested him.

Case no. 354 also involves CNRP figures Sam Rainsy and Ho Vann. In October 2019, the court convicted and sentenced them to the same degree as Komphear; however, both remain in exile and therefore have not served their prison sentences. On October 18, 2019, the authorities also tried an opposition activist, Kong Mas , based on insult and incitement charges and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

Pheat Mab, 49
 

On May 27, 2020, police arrested Pheat Mab, a former CNRP council member in Dom Tek commune, Sonikum district, in Siem Reap province. He is also a member of the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association (CITA).

Police took him to court the same day and the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Mab with “plotting,” “incitement to commit a felony,” and “inciting military personnel to disobedience” (articles 453, 494, 495 and 471 of Cambodia’s penal code). The authorities ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar Correctional Center (CC1).

The authorities allege that the basis of his arrest is a phone conversation about the current microfinance debt crisis. It is unclear how the authorities learned of his private conversation and whether his phone was tapped – a practice that has resulted in previous arbitrary arrests of government critics.

Sun Thun
 

On June 1, 2020, four police officers arrested Sun Thun without an arrest warrant . He is a former elected CNRP council member in Thmey village, Treal commune, Tangkok district, in Kampong Thom province. He is also a member of the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association (CITA).

After a few hours of being held in custody at the Ministry of Interior, the authorities placed him in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar Correctional Center (CC1).

The authorities took him to court the same day of his arrest, where the court charged him with “plotting,” “incitement to commit a felony,” and “inciting military personnel to disobedience” (articles 453, 494, 495 and 471 of Cambodia’s penal code).

In June 2019, four unidentified men beat Thun while guiding them to go see a plot of land about which they had expressed interest. He reported that they had persuaded him to go with them to talk to the landowner. Thun claimed the attack was an act of “political retribution or intimidation” because he was a former senior CNRP official. He submitted a police complaint against the four men, whom he said he did not know, for attempted murder. Police claimed to be investigating but no arrests were ever made.

Thun lost his political post along with all other elected CNRP officials upon the arbitrary dissolution of the party in November 2017. The Ministry of Education did not allow him to resume his teaching position, and he filed a complaint against that decision. In 2019, Thun had openly supported the announced return of exiled CNRP leadership in November that year.

Thun’s arrest came hours before Prime Minister Hun Sen “vowed during a speech in Preah Sihanouk to arrest those he claimed intended to overthrow the government and sow social disorder .”

Heng Chansothy, 56
 

On the morning of June 5, 2020, police detained Heng Chansothy, a former CNRP deputy chief of Pur Sunchey district in Phnom Penh and sent him for pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar Correctional Center (CC1).

Authorities previously arrested and charged Chansothy on November 6, 2019 with conspiracy and incitement to commit a felony (articles 453, 495, and 494 of Cambodia’s penal code). His detention occurred amidst a wave of arbitrary arrests of opposition members ahead of the announced return of exiled CNRP figures on November 9. A little more a week later, on November 15, the authorities released Chansothy on bail.

On June 3, 2020, the authorities alleged he had violated his bail terms requiring him to report to the police station on a regular basis. Chansothy’s lawyer rejected  the allegation, stating that Chansothy had not received such orders to report from the court.

On December 21, 2019, Chansothy was seriously injured near a gas station in Trapang Tea village, Trapang Krasang commune, Pursenchey district, Phnom Penh when two unidentified persons wearing helmets and driving a motorcycle hit him on the head with a metal pipe. The attack occurred at around 5:30 p.m. while he was driving his motorbike, coming from Kandal province. There were factory workers and other witnesses at the site when the attack happened. His son filed a complaint at the Trapang Krasang commune police station. Chansothy feared for his safety after the incident. The police never investigated the attack and no arrests were ever made.

Koy Sam Ath
 

On March 9, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Koy Sam Ath (35 years old), an online seller in Phnom Penh, based on a video he posted on his Facebook page under the name “Tep Visal.” In the video, he critically commented on a coronavirus case in Cambodia, alleging that the authorities only knew about it because Vietnam told them. The Phnom Penh police questioned him upon arrest. On March 10, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged him with “incitement to commit felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s criminal code). He is currently in pre-trial detention in Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

Khut Chroek
 

On March 10, 2020, Preah Sdech district police arrested Khut Chroek (49 years old), a senior member of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Boeung Dol commune, Preah Sdach district, Prey Veng province. The authorities arrested him based on a critical Facebook post related to COVID-19, which authorities alleged was false information on the coronavirus. On March 11, the authorities charged him with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453 and 495 of Cambodia’s criminal code) and put him in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

Phut Thona Lorn
 

On March 11, 2020, Siem Reap police arrested Phut Thona Lorn (also known as Lorn Ly – 32 years old), a supporter of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The authorities accused him of spreading what the government called “fake news” about the coronavirus outbreak. On March 12, the Siem Reap provincial court charged him with spreading false information (article 425 of Cambodia’s criminal code). The police said they surveilled Lorn Ly’s Facebook account for a week prior to the arrest but did not disclose a legal basis for such surveillance. Lorn Ly had shared two videos on his Facebook profile page in which the speaker claimed the Cambodian government needed the Vietnamese government’s information about an arrival to Cambodia who later tested positive for COVID-19. He is being held in pre-trial detention at Siem Reap’s provincial prison.

Ngin Khean
 

On March 17, 2020 at approximately 3 p.m., Phnom Penh police arrested Ngin Khean (29 years old) in Phnom Penh’s Steung Meanchey commune. He is the head of the youth wing of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Preah Sdach district of Prey Veng province. The authorities arrested him based on allegations he posted “fake news” about the coronavirus on his Facebook profile page. On the same day, the authorities charged him with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453 and 495 of Cambodia’s criminal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility. Ngin Khean is the brother-in-law of Khut Chroeuk, who was arrested in Prey Veng on March 10.

Keo Thai
 

On March 26, 2020, Kampong Chhnang police arrested Keo Thai (50 years old), who is a former senior member of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Por Pel commune, Bory Bo district, Kampong Chhnang province, and a member of the Cambodia Independent Teachers Association (CITA). Police surrounded his daughter’s house as part of their search for him. Police transported Thai to Phnom Penh and detained him at Prey Sar prison facility. According to his family, police arrested him without a warrant while confiscating his mobile phone, and the phones of his wife and daughter. The authorities charged Keo Thai with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code). On March 27, National Police Commission spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun alleged that Keo Thai “was on the court’s [black] list but was spared any legal action [with regard to other cases] by the government. Instead, he was put under court observation. After he was forgiven, he did not seem to change. He even created more problems by producing inciteful news, which means he did not change.” Earlier, in March 2020, police attempted to arrest Keo Thai for criticizing the government on Facebook, but he fled before police arrived. His daughter told Radio Free Asia that she was not sure why her father had been detained at this time because he had merely conducted online teaching after schools had been shut on March 16 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Keo Thai’s lawyer informed Radio Free Asia that he suffers from high blood pressure and must take medication daily.

Thai Sokunthea
 

On March 26, 2020, Kampong Chhnang police arrested Thai Sokunthea, an activist of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kampong Chnnang province. On March 29, the authorities charged Thai Sokunthea with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code) and placed him in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar correctional facility. The reasons for his arrest are not clear but it appears connected to past arbitrary and politically motivated charges being reactivated against him. It appears that Thai Sokunthea has not made any critical Facebook postings in relation to the Cambodian government’s Covid-19 response.

Yim Sareth
 

On March 27, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Yim Sareth (52 years old), a former commune councilor of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Romeas Hak district, Svay Rieng province. The authorities alleged he spread “fake news” about Covid-19 on his Facebook page. However, the only Facebook post that can be found is one from March 20 when he stated that he wears a mask to protect himself from dirt and cement dust, but his real fear is the coronavirus. The Phnom Penh municipal court charged him with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code) and placed him in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar correctional facility. His lawyer informed Radio Free Asia that Yim Sareth suffers from high blood pressure and must take medication daily. Similar to other recently arrested former CNRP activists, the charges against Sareth consist of fabricated and politically motivated charges being reactivated against him as part of a wider crackdown against the opposition.

Lek Seangly
 

On April 13, 2020, Kampong Thom police arrested Lek Seangly (21 years old), a petroleum station worker in Thon Maong village, Kampong Thmar commune, Santok district, Kampong Thom province. On April 12, he had posted a Tik Tok video, in which he stated “no Covid-19 spread during the Khmer New Year, so we can travel and now petroleum is cheap – just 3000 riel per liter, we are happy to ride and travel during the Khmer New Year.” Ahead of Khmer New Year, which traditionally sees Cambodians travel to their home provinces, the government issued Directive No. 02 dated April 9 imposing one-week travel restrictions, preventing travel between provinces. The authorities alleged that his Facebook post “affected public order.” On April 14, the Kampong Thom court charged him with “incitement to commit felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). He is currently held in pre-trial detention at Kampong Thom provincial prison.

Kheum Pheana
 

On April 2, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Kheum Pheana (52 years old), a former senior member of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Phnom Penh. On April 3, the Phnom Penh court charged him with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code). The authorities ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar correctional center. The rationale for the charges is unclear because it appears that Pheana did not make any critical Facebook post in relation to the Cambodian government’s Covid-19 response. 

Chum Chan
 

On April 13, 2020, police arrested Chum Chan (52 years old), a former council member of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Prek Khser Khor commune, Peam Ro district, Prey Veng province. He is also a member of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association in Prey Veng province. The authorities charged him with “plotting,” “inciting military personnel to disobedience” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 471, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar correctional center. These charges are based on an introductory submission issued by the prosecutor of the Phnom Penh municipal court dated July 11, 2018, approximately two weeks before the general elections on July 29, 2018.

The authorities had told Chum Chan to come to a district police station in Prey Veng’s Peam Ro district for questioning, failing to mention the basis for questioning and the possibility of arrest. The authorities seized his two mobile phones, which he was carrying with him. His wife told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that she only found out two days after Chan’s arrest that he had been taken to Phnom Penh when he called her from inside the prison to ask for money to spend for basic needs in prison. A local human rights group, the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), told RFA that Chan had been a teacher but was removed from the Ministry of Education’s list of registered teachers on January 30, 2018 due to his affiliation with the CNRP.

Nhem Vean
 

On April 15, 2020, Banteay Meanchey police and national Ministry of Interior police arrested Nhem Vean (50 years old) in Poi Pet city, Banteay Meanchey province, at the border with Thailand. Nhem Vean is a former senior member of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Svay Rieng province. The authorities charged him with “plotting,” “inciting military personnel to disobedience” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 471, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code). These allegations are old, reactivated charges imposed amidst a wider crackdown on the political opposition in 2018. He is currently held in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar correctional center. It appears that Vean has not posted any critical messages on his Facebook about the government’s Covid-19 response.

Sok Chantha
 

On April 20, 2020, police arrested Sok Chantha (55 years old), a former senior member of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kram village, Prey Veng province. The village chief allegedly invited Chantha to come to the commune council office to discuss a possible reduction in his debt payment with a microfinance institution in response to financial challenges caused by Covid-19. At the commune council office, police seized Chantha’s phone, arrested him and took him to Phnom Penh. The authorities failed to present an arrest warrant. The authorities took him to the Ministry of Interior and General Commissariat of National Police in Phnom Penh for further questioning without a lawyer present. The authorities charged him with “plotting,” “inciting military personnel to disobedience” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453, 471, 494, and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code) and, on April 22, placed him in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar correctional facility. The basis for his arrest is unknown. It appears that Chantha has not posted any critical messages on his Facebook about the government’s Covid-19 response.

Ros Sokhet, 41
 

On June 25, 2020, the Phnom Penh municipal police’s Cybercrime Bureau arrested Ros Sokhet, the publisher of Cheat Khmer (“Khmer Nation”) newspaper, based on two posts on his Facebook page on June 24. The first post questioned Prime Minister Hun Sen’s declaration of intent to name Hun Manet, his eldest son, as his successor. The second post criticized the lack of government response to Cambodians who unable to pay off their micro-loan debts due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On June 28, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged him with “incitement to commit a felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) based on allegations that the Facebook posts constituted “incitement to provoke serious chaos in social security.” If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison. Sokhet is in pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

The Ministry of Information provided Cheat Khmer with its media licence in April 2020. However, at the time of his arrest, Ros Sokhet had not yet made any publications. After his arrest, the ministry announced it would review the license and might revoke it. If revoked, this would be the fourth time the authorities have revoked a media license granted to a local media outlet since the outbreak of Covid-19.

Ros Sokhet has a history of publicly criticizing the government. In 2009, the authorities arrested and a court later convicted Ros Sokhet based on allegations of disinformation against a media personality, Soy Sopheap, the publisher of Deum Ampil newspaper.

Since the pandemic, Cambodian authorities have detained two other journalists, Sok Oudom and Sovann Rithy, based on fabricated incitement charges. They are currently awaiting their trials.

Ouk Chhum, 74
 

On July 10, 2020, police arrested Ouk Chhum, former elected Khlaeng Meas commune council chief for the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), in Battambang province. On July 8, Chhum allegedly had a phone conversation with another former local CNRP member, Lous Chenglay, with whom he discussed a YouTube video saying that a “fortune teller told the guy [Prime Minister Hun Sen] that he would die without a coffin and his wife would starve to death in 2023, and then the guy’s [Hun Sen’s] bodyguards killed the fortune teller.”

The Phnom Penh municipal court charged Chhum with incitement to commit a felony (article 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

It is unclear how the authorities learned about the private phone conversation since neither participant posted any information about the conversation. However, Cambodian authorities have engaged in unauthorized phone tapping against members of the political opposition members and civil society activists.

Lous Chenglay, 51
 

On July 10, 2020, police arrested Lous Chenglay, former Bavel district party chief for the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) ), in Battambang province. On July 8, Chenglay allegedly had a phone conversation with another former local CNRP member, Ouk Chhum , who told him about a YouTube video saying that a “fortune teller told the guy [Prime Minister Hun Sen] that he would die without a coffin and his wife would starve to death in 2023, and then the guy’s [Hun Sen’s] bodyguards killed the fortune teller.”

The Phnom Penh municipal court charged Chenglay with incitement to commit a felony (article 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

It is unclear how the authorities learned about the private phone conversation since neither participant posted any information about the conversation. However, Cambodian authorities have engaged in unauthorized phone tapping against members of the political opposition and civil society activists.

In 2019, Chenglay had fled to Thailand due to fear of arrest amidst a crackdown on the political opposition. He had returned to Cambodia in early 2020.

Long Phary
 

On March 18, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Long Phary at Phnom Penh’s O’Russey market. He is a senior member of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Kampong Trabeik district, Prey Veng province. The authorities said that they arrested him based on a phone conversation he had about COVID-19, and alleged he was spreading what the government labelled as “fake news.” The authorities did not clarify how they learned about the contents of the conversation. On the same day, the authorities charged him with “plotting” and “incitement to commit felony” (articles 453 and 495 of Cambodia’s criminal code) and sent him to Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison. In a speech on March 9, Hun Sen specifically mentioned Phary, accusing him of spreading false information about being secretly transferred to a hospital in Singapore. Hun Sen threatened Long Phary’s arrest and warned him “Don’t ever think that we don’t know what you’re doing!”

Chhuor Pheng
 

On August 4, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Chhuor Pheng, an opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) activist in Phnom Penh. The authorities also arrested Chum Puthy, a local CNRP member in Svay Rieng, and two other CNRP activists, Ouk Sam Oun and Chhin Sovanna; the two latter were released without charges the next day. On August 6, the Phnom Penh court charged Pheng with “incitement to commit a felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison. Phnom Penh municipal police chief, Sar Thet alleged the police possessed an audio recording by unidentified persons that named Pheng and Puthy as recruiters for protesters in Phnom Penh to participate in demonstrations calling for the release of prominent union leader Rong Chhun. No further information was provided about this recording, where it came from, how the police acquired it, or whether it was authentic. On August 4, the four CNRP activists visited Than Pagoda in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district to meet with eight monks who had travelled from Battambang to Phnom Penh to protest for the release of Rong Chhun. The authorities stopped the monks on their way to join the demonstration and forced them to return to their pagoda.

Chum Puthy
 

On August 4, 2020, police arrested Chum Puthy, a CNRP, a former member of the Svay Rieng provincial executive committee of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). The authorities also arrested Chhuor Pheng, a CNRP activist in Phnom Penh, and two other CNRP activists, Ouk Sam Oun and Chhin Sovanna; the two latter were released without charges the next day. On August 6, the Phnom Penh court charged Puthy with “incitement to commit a felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison. Phnom Penh municipal police chief, Sar Thet alleged that the police possessed an audio recording by unidentified persons that named Pheng and Puthy as recruiters for protesters in Phnom Penh to participate in demonstrations calling for the release of prominent union leader Rong Chhun. No further information was provided about this recording, where it came from, how the police acquired it, or whether it was authentic. On August 4, the four CNRP activists visited Than Pagoda in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district to meet with eight monks who had travelled from Battambang to Phnom Penh to protest for the release of Rong Chhun. The authorities stopped the monks on their way to join the demonstration and forced them to return to their pagoda.

Sar Kanika
 

On August 7, 2020, in Phnom Penh, six police arrested Sar Kanika, an opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) activist, and 32-year-old twins who are both CNRP activists, Chum Houth and Chum Hour, on their way from a meeting. Police took them to the National Police Commissariat in Phnom Penh for further questioning. The authorities released Chum Houth and Chum Hour after questioning them for three hours, but Sar Kanika was sent to pre-trial detention. The authorities charged Sar Kanika with “incitement to commit a felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s criminal code) and ordered her pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 2. Their arrest is presumably linked to their participation in protests calling for the release of prominent union leader Rong Chhun. All three activists are regular participants in protest activities calling for justice and human rights. Police asked Chum Houth and Chum Hour about their association with Sar Kanika and the CNRP. In 2019, Sar Kanika supported efforts around the planned return of exiled CNRP leaders, including Sam Rainsy; however, her support of the opposition dates back much further. Authorities subjected Sar Kanika to surveillance and harassment long before the August arrest.

Suong Sophorn
 

On August 14, 2020, police arrested Suong Sophorn at his home in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district. Sophorn is the president of the minor political party Khmer Win Party (KWP). The police justified the lack of an arrest warrant by claiming that Sophorn had been caught “red-handed” committing a crime. The authorities accused him of making “false statements” about the demarcations of the Cambodia-Vietnam border. The Phnom Penh court charged him with “incitement to commit a felony” (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 1. On August 10, Sophorn visited the border area in question in Ponhea Krek district, Tbong Khmum province, and posted a Facebook live video commentary in which he alleged there were irregularities in border demarcation. On August 13, Sophorn attend a protest calling for the release of Rong Chhun; the authorities arrested six protesters, two of whom, Chhoeun Daravy and Hun Vannak, are in pre-trial detention on baseless incitement charges. Sophorn is the second person to be arrested in a few weeks regarding comments made about the Vietnam-Cambodia border dispute. Rong Chhun’s claims that farmers had lost land were rejected by the government’s Border Committee as spreading so-called “fake news” on the border issue based on “groundless accusations”; Chhun had previously visited the same area as Sophorn in order to talk with aggrieved villagers. Chhun is in pre-trial detention on baseless incitement charges.

Chhoeun Daravy
 

On August 13, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Chhoeun Daravy, an activist and a member of the youth group Khmer Thavarak. Daravy was one of approximately 30 people who protested peacefully in front of the Phnom Penh court to call for the dropping of charges against prominent union leader Rong Chhun, and his immediate release. On the same day, the Phnom Penh court charged Daravy with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495) and sent her to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 2. Specifically, the authorities accused her of inciting social disorder and insecurity by participating in the protest. The Phnom Penh court also issued a search warrant for her phone because she had livestreamed some of the violent dispersal of protesters by the security forces. Security forces dragged Daravy by her hair and threw her into a van after forcibly confiscating her belongings. The police brought her to the headquarters of the National Police Commission. Five other activists who protested with Daravy that day were also arrested and brought in for questioning. Sar Thet, spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Police said to Radio Free Asia that four of the activists were “educated about why they must stop taking part in protests” – which meant that they had to sign written pledges at the police station promising they would not particiate in protests in the future; Daravy and fellow youth and environmental activist Hun Vannak were detained and charged with incitement. Rong Chhun’s arrest has spurred daily protests during which security forces and plainclothes men used force against peaceful protesters. Security forces violently dispersed Daravy and other protesters. Footage by Radio Free Asia shows that some of the protesters incurred injuries from the violence.

Hun Vannak
 

On August 13, 2020, plainclothes officers arrested Hun Vannak as he was walking home from a demonstration and still live-streaming events via Facebook. Vannak is the founder of the youth group Khmer Thavarak and an environmental activist. Vannak was among the approximately 30 peaceful protesters in front of the Phnom Penh court calling for the dropping of charges and immediate release of prominent trade union leader Rong Chhun, who was being questioned by the court on that day. On the same day, the Phnom Penh court charged Vannak with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 1. The authorities accused him of inciting social disorder and insecurity by participating in the protest. Five other activists who protested with Vannak that day were also arrested and brought to the National Police Commission for questioning. Sar Thet, spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Police said to Radio Free Asia that four of the activists were “educated about why they must stop taking part in protests” – which meant authorities forced them to sign pledges that they would not participate in protests in the future. Rong Chhun’s arrest has spurred daily protests in Phnom Penh in which peaceful protesters faced excessive use of force by security forces and plainclothes officers. Footage by Radio Free Asia shows that some of the protesters incurred injuries. This is the third time that authorities arrested Hun Vannak for his peaceful activism. Between 2017 and 2018, he spent five months in prison for documenting suspected illicit sand-dredging – for illegal export as a construction material to other countries in Southeast Asia – off the coast of Cambodia. In May 2020, police detained him for several hours for participating in a peaceful protest calling for debt relief of micro-loan borrowers impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

Rong Chhun
 

On July 31, 2020, police arrested Rong Chhun, president of the independent Cambodian Confederation of Unions, without an arrest warrant at his home in Phnom Penh, alleging he was committing an in flagrante delicto (caught in the act) offense. On August 1, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged him with “incitement to commit a felony” under articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 1. The charges against Rong Chhun apparently are connected to his recent advocacy for the land rights of villagers living near Cambodia’s border with Vietnam. In an interview with Radio Free Asia on July 31, shortly before his arrest, Rong Chhun responded to a government statement on the matter and urged the Border Affairs Committee to visit the border provinces themselves and speak to the aggrieved villagers. Rong Chhun is a vocal union leader and political activist who for years has advocated for human rights and workers’ rights in Cambodia. He is also active in opposition politics. He has long raised concerns about the demarcation of the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. He repeatedly met with affected Cambodian villagers to hear their concerns that newly determined border demarcations encroach on their land.

Keo Hour, 55
 

On August 7, 2020, Kampong Chhnang provincial gendarmerie officials arrested Keo Hour, a journalist for Sneha Cheat (“National Love”) online news site, which is owned by San Buntheoun .

The next day, the Kampong Chhnang provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Kampong Chhnang provincial prison.

In May, Hour reported on a land dispute at Phnom Oral Wildlife Sanctuary in Kampong Chhnang province involving a powerful military official. Reporting on the same story previously led authorities to detain and charge radio and online journalist Sok Oudom.

Thun Ratha, 28
 

At around noon on September 3, 2020, police arrested Thun Ratha, an environmental activist and member of Mother Nature Cambodia. The arrest came after approximately 25 government officials and police surrounded his rented property in Phnom Penh for two hours to ensure he could not escape. As they left with Ratha in custody, the authorities padlocked the house and left a notice on the door informing the public that the arrest was led by the deputy chief of the Phnom Penh municipal police, in cooperation with the department of information, deputy prosecutor and relevant authorities. The notice also stated the arrest concerned allegations that Ratha “published the information without legal permission,” However, the letter did not specify which information was referred to.

After questioning by the prosecutor and investigating judge at the Phnom Penh municipal court on September 6, Ratha was charged with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). Authorities sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 1 (CC1).

Thun Ratha, Long Kunthea and Phoung Keoreaksmey engaged in peaceful activities that called for attention to the government’s decision to fill Phnom Penh’s Boeung Tamok lake for development purposes, which experts state will destroy the habitat of animal species, set back biodiversity, and cause significant flooding in Phnom Penh.

Long Kunthea, 22
 

On the morning of September 3, 2020, police arrested Long Kunthea, an environmental activist and member of Mother Nature Cambodia, while she was walking from Wat Phnom to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s house where she intended to hand over a petition to raise her concerns over the government’s decision to fill Phnom Penh’s Boeung Tamok lake for development purposes.

After questioning by the prosecutor and investigating judge at the Phnom Penh municipal court on September 6, Kunthea was charged with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). Authorities sent her to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 2 (CC2).

The same day, the authorities also arrested two other environmental activists, Thun Ratha and Phoung Keoreaksmey; they engaged in peaceful activities that called for attention to the government’s decision to fill Phnom Penh’s Boeung Tamok lake for development purposes, which experts state will destroy the habitat of animal species, set back biodiversity, and cause significant flooding in Phnom Penh.

Phoung Keoreaksmey, 19
 

On the morning of September 3, 2020, police arrested Phoung Keoreaksmey, an environmental activist and member of Mother Nature Cambodia, while she was walking from Wat Phnom to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s house where fellow activist Long Kunthea intended to hand over a petition to raise her concerns over the government’s decision to fill Phnom Penh’s Boeung Tamok lake for development purposes.

After questioning by the prosecutor and investigating judge at the Phnom Penh municipal court on September 6, Keoreaksmey was charged with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code). Authorities sent her to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 2 (CC2).

The same day, the authorities arrested also two other environmental activists, Thun Ratha and Long Kunthea; they engaged in peaceful activities that called for attention to the government’s decision to fill Phnom Penh’s Boeung Tamok lake for development purposes, which experts state will destroy the habitat of animal species, set back biodiversity, and cause significant flooding in Phnom Penh

Mean Prom Mony
 

On September 6, police arrested Mean Prom Mony, vice-president of the Khmer Student Intelligent League Association and a member of the Active Citizens for Justice youth movement. Mony and other activists, including the Venerable Keut Saray who authorities arrested the same day, planned a protest on September 7 at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park to call for the release of detained union leader Rong Chhun.

After questioning by the prosecutor and investigating judge at the Phnom Penh municipal court on September 7, the court charged him on September 8 with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 1 (CC1).

In early August, Phnom Penh Municipal Hall issued a statement prohibiting organizers to hold the planned gathering, claiming they would not be able to control the number of attendees. City officials also accused organizers of “inciting” members of the public to protest. On September 5, the Active Citizens for Justice announced that they would go forward with their planned gathering between September 7-15.

Venerable Keut Saray, 33
 

On September 6, police arrested Venerable Keut Saray, an ordained Buddhist monk and a member of the Active Citizens for Justice youth movement. The Venerable Keut Saray and other activists, including Mean Prom Mony who authorities arrested the same day, had planned a protest at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park to call for the release of detained union leader Rong Chhun.

Upon questioning by the prosecutor and investigating judge at the Phnom Penh municipal court on September 7, on September 8 the court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 1 (CC1).

In early August, Phnom Penh Municipal Hall had issued a statement prohibiting the planned gathering, claiming organizers would not be able to control the number of attendees and accusing them of “inciting” members of the public to protest. On September 5, the Active Citizens for Justice announced that they would go forward with their planned gathering between September 7 and September 15.

On September 7, as a result of his detention, Venerable Keut Saray was defrocked.

Tha Lavy, 19
 

On September 7, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Tha Lavy, a member of youth movement Khmer Thavrak, as he was stepping out of a tuk-tuk taxi at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park on his way to conduct a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of detained union leader, Rong Chhun.

The same day, the authorities charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 1 (CC1).

On September 7, the Interior Ministry released a statement, instructing authorities to take legal action against members of the Khmer Thavrak youth group and Mother Nature Cambodia environmental organization, accusing both groups of causing “social chaos.”

Kong Sam An
 

On September 6, 2020, police arrested Kong Sam An at his house in Soung commune, Soung district, Tbong Khmum province. He is a former Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) council member in Memout district, Tbong Khmum province.

On September 7, the authorities charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 1 (CC1).

The police accused him of organizing a protest at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park on September 7, together with other youth and environmental activist groups, to call for the release of recently detained union leader Rong Chhun and other political prisoners.

On September 22, the court convicted Kong Sam An of conspiracy (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) – together with six other CNRP activists not present at the trial – and sentenced him to seven years in prison. Reporters from VOD News and human rights monitors from NGO LICADHO were not allowed inside the courtroom.

Eng Malai (also known as So Mata)
 

On the evening of September 7, 2020, police arrested Eng Malai, a member of Khmer Thavrak youth group as she was leaving the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Phnom Penh. Police followed her from the planned site of a peaceful protest at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park, calling for the release of detained union leader Rong Chhun and other political prisoners. Preemptively, on the morning of September 7, the authorities deployed hundreds of security forces to Freedom Park, preventing the protest from happening.

On the day of the planned protest, the Interior Ministry released a statement, instructing authorities to take legal action against members of the Khmer Thavrak youth group and Mother Nature Cambodia environmental movement, accusing the groups of causing social chaos by organizing the protest.

On September 8, the authorities charged Malai with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent her to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility, Correctional Center 2 (CC2).

Kea Sokhun, 22
 

On September 4, 2020, Siem Reap provincial police arrested Kea Sokhun, a Khmer rap music artist, at his house in Trapang Ses village, Kokchork commune, Siem Reap district, Siem Reap province.

On September 5, the Siem Reap provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Siem Reap provincial prison.

While the authorities did not formally confirm the reasons for his arrest and charges, civil society activists pointed to Sokhun’s four-month-old song “Khmer Land” (“Dey Khmer”), which has over 1.5 million views on YouTube and which speaks critically about social issues and border demarcation matters in Cambodia, as the most likely reason for his arrest.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Pen Mom was released on bail on November 14. However, the criminal charges against her are still pending.

On August 25, 2020, the Kampot provincial court conducted a hearing and on September 9, 2020, found her guilty of the crime and sentenced her to five years in prison. She is held at Kampot provincial prison.

Muong Sopheak, 24
 

On September 10, 2020, Phnom Penh police arrested Muong Sopheak, a youth activist with the Khmer Student Intelligent League Association (KSILA), while he was standing outside the Khmer Will Party headquarters. Sopheak took part in a protest organized by youth activists on September 6 at Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park and participated in delivering a petition to the US Embassy, requesting the embassy intervene in the cases of detained union leader Rong Chhun and other activists.

On September 11, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Sopheak with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility (Correctional Center 1).

Since August, the authorities have arrested over a dozen activists for protest activities calling for the release of Rong Chhun and other political prisoners.

Sopheak has spoken up about social injustices and other human rights issues. KSILA is headed by Muong Sony, Sopheak’s brother.

Long Putheara, 17
 

On September 7, 2020, police arrested rapper Long Putheara at his house in Phnom Penh.

On September 9, the authorities charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and sent him to pre-trial detention at Siem Reap provincial prison.

Putheara collaborated with the rapper Kea Sokun, who was arrested on September 4 and charged with incitement because of lyrics in Sokun’s music that critically address social issues in Cambodia.

Chum Sarath, 66
 

On October 6, 2020, police arrested Chum Sarath, a former elected Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) commune councilor in Anlong Reap commune, Pursat province, on charges related to a land dispute from 2014 involving villagers and timber tycoon Try Pheap’s M.D.S. Import Export Co.. The next day, the Pursat provincial court charged him with illegal occupation of property, and use of violence against a possessor of land (articles 248 and 253 of Cambodia’s Land Law) and sent him for pre-trial detention at Pursat provincial prison.

The charges are based on a complaint brought by M.D.S. against Chum Sarath, alleging he used a machete to clear forest on company land. The case laid dormant for over five years until being suddenly taken up by the authorities.

Kong Bunheang, 66
 

On October 17, 2020, police arrested without a warrant Kong Bunheang, a former provincial member of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Battambang province.

On October 16, Kong Bunheang called Hang Seng, another former CNRP member in the province, to talk about the flooding situation in Cambodia and food assistance from the authorities. The authorities alleged both defendants insulted the king in their conversation. On October 18, police also arrested Hang Seng.

The authorities acquired a recording of the conversations but have refused to clarify how and why they recorded the conversation. Surveillance of private communications by authorities has on many occasions led to politically motivated charges against government critics and human rights defenders.

On October 20, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Kong Bunheang with lese majeste (insulting the king) (article 437bis of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

Hang Seng, 69
 

On October 18, 2020, police arrested without a warrant Hang Seng, a former provincial member of the of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Battambang province.

According to Hang Seng’s wife, Sangke district police used the pretext of a job opportunity to invite Hang Seng to the district police station. However, upon arrival, they questioned and arrested him.

On October 16, another former CNRP member in the province, Kong Bunheang, called Hang Seng to talk about the flooding situation in Cambodia and food assistance from the authorities. The authorities alleged both defendants insulted the king in their conversation. On October 17, police also arrested Kong Bunheang.

The authorities acquired a recording of the conversations but have refused to clarify how and why they recorded the conversation. Surveillance of private communications by authorities has on many occasions led to politically motivated charges against government critics and human rights defenders .

On October 20, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Hang Seng with lese majeste (insulting the king) (article 437bis of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison.

Ton Nymul, 37
 

On October 23, 2020, the authorities arrested Ton Nymul, an activist with the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) from Takhmao district, Kandal province, as he participated in a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh, organized to mark the anniversary of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords. The authorities also arrested two other CNRP activists, Lim San and Yory Sreymom, at the same time.

On October 25, 2020, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Nymul with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 1.

Protesters held up banners with a message stating that Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base should not be used as a military base for China.

Ahead of the anniversary, Hun Sen had threatened groups planning to protest on the 29th anniversary of the Paris Accords, stating that “Your identities are under the control of authorities.”

Lim San, 57
 

On October 23, 2020, the authorities arrested Lim San, an activist with the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) from Takhmao district, Kandal province, as she participated in a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh, organized to mark the anniversary of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords. The authorities also arrested two other CNRP activists, Ton Nymul and Yory Sreymom.

On October 25, 2020, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged San with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered her pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 2.

Protesters held up banners with a message stating that Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base should not be used as a military base for China.

Ahead of the anniversary, Hun Sen had threatened groups planning to protest on the 29th anniversary of the Paris Accords, stating that “Your identities are under the control of authorities.”

Yory Sreymom, 52
 

On October 23, 2020, the authorities arrested Yory Sreymom, an activist with the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) from Takhmao district, Kandal province, as she participated in a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh, organized to mark the anniversary of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords. The authorities also arrested two other CNRP activists, Ton Nymul and Lim San.

On October 25, 2020, the Phnom Penh municipal court charged Sreymom with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered her pre-trial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correctional Center 2.

Protesters held up banners with a message stating that Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base should not be used as a military base for China.

Ahead of the anniversary, Hun Sen had threatened groups planning to protest on the 29th anniversary of the Paris Accords, stating that “Your identities are under the control of authorities.”

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.

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.

On November 10, 2019, the investigating judge decided to lift Sokha’s restrictive judicial supervision order that confined him to his residence, based on the condition that he not participate in political activities, not travel abroad, and continue to cooperate with judicial investigators. On December 3, the Phnom Penh court formally closed the investigation and sent the case to trial: “After investigation and questioning, the judge understands that there is enough evidence against the accused Kem Sokha.…” The investigating judge sent the case to trial, but a trial date has not yet been set.

Human Rights Watch has repeatedly pressed the Cambodian government to drop the case against Sokha.

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 November 4, the Supreme Court upheld the denial of 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. Soung Neak Poan, a youth activist who distributed posters calling for an end to extrajudicial killings, was charged on the same day with the same crime as Raya. He spent a little over five months in pretrial detention at Phnom Penh’s Prey Sar prison facility.

On November 29, the Phnom Penh court responded to earlier requests by Raya to release him on bail and freed him from pre-trial detention. His charges were not dropped. The court prohibited him from posting any political posts on his Facebook or travel abroad.

Prime Minister Hun Sen gave a speech when inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners; however, their criminal charges were not dropped.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Neak Poan was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Phoeun was released on bail on November 14. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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. After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Phearum was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Bunthan was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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 former CNRP activists who were arrested on September 13 and 14.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Chantheany was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against her are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Nuth Pich was released on bail on November 14. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Saven was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Sreang was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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

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).

On March 12, 2019, the Sihanoukville provincial court convicted Sam Sun and sentenced him to five years in prison. The judge suspended four years and two months of Sam Sun’s prison sentence. Authorities released Sam Sun from Preah Sihanouk prison on April 18, 2019 after he had served 10 months of his sentence.

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.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Ly Lin on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

Authorities agreed to release Thai Yuth on bail on October 25 because he had health problems. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Sophat on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Bunthorn on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Marady on bail on November 14. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

Phon Sophea
 

On October 14, 2019, police arrested Phon Sophea, former commune chief of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Chheu Khmao, Koh Thom district, Kandal province.

The Kandal provincial court charged him with incitement to commit a felony (articles 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Kandal provincial prison.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Sophea on bail on November 14. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

Teung Samban, 60
 

On October 18, 2019, police arrested Teung Samban, the former district chief executive of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) and district council member in Chung Kal district, Oddar Meanchey province.

His wife told Radio Free Asia that 20 police officers arrested her husband after surrounding their home.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued on October 14 by the prosecutor of the Oddar Meanchey provincial court. The prosecutor claimed Samban had plotted a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention in Oddar Meanchey provincial prison.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Samban on bail on November 14. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

Samban had expressed support on Facebook of the announced return of the acting head of the CNRP, Sam Rainsy, and helped mobilize support.

Poung Kamsan
 

On October 21, 2019, Mondulkiri police arrested Poung Kamsan, an activist of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

On the same day, the Mondulkiri provincial court issued a statement that it charged Kamsan with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention in Mondulkiri provincial prison.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Kamsan on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

Kamsan had posted support on his Facebook page for the announced return of acting CNRP head Sam Rainsy to Cambodia.

Doung Sam Ade
 

On October 27, 2019, police arrested Doung Sam Ade, a former member of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) executive committee in Sre Preah commune, Keo Seima district, Mondulkiri province.

The Mondulkiri provincial court charged Sam Ade with plotting a coup (article 453 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention in Mondulkiri provincial prison.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Sam Ade on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

Khum Kan
 

On October 28, 2019, Mondulkiri police arrested Khum Kan, the former chair of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) executive committee in Mondulkiri province. According to Kan’s wife, and reporting by Radio Free Asia, approximately 20 police officers surrounded his house in Keo Siem district and arrested him without an arrest warrant.

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

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech in Kampot on November 14 in which he announced the release of 74 political prisoners, authorities released Kan on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

After Prime Minister Hun Sen’s speech inaugurating a cement factory in Kampot on November 14 during which he announced the release of 72 political prisoners, Sovannarith was released on bail on November 15. However, the criminal charges against him are still pending.

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.

Hun Yuth, 36
 

On July 18, 2019, Siem Reap police arrested Hun Yuth (also known as Thon Yuth), a supporter of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in Siem Reap province. Yuth has a disability resulting from polio. He had criticized Prime Minister Hun Sen on his Facebook account alleging that Hun Sen’s claims in Geneva that he protects human rights in Cambodia do not match his actions inside Cambodia. He also criticized Hun Sen’s anti-drug measures. Yuth had also previously shared videos, in which he commented on other social issues in Cambodia, such as the European Union’s withdrawal process of its preferential “Everything But Arms” (EBA) trade scheme for Cambodia.

On July 19, the Siem Reap provincial court charged Yuth with incitement to commit a felony and public insult (articles 494, 495 and 307 of Cambodia’s penal code). On August 6, the investigating judge decided to send the case to trial. After a trial hearing on October 3, the Siem Reap judge sentenced him to 18 months’ imprisonment on October 31. Authorities imprisoned Yuth at Siem Reap provincial prison.

On December 26, the Court of Appeal ordered his release on December 31, after serving five months and eight days of his sentence. The court suspended the rest of the 18 months’ prison sentence based on Yuth’s disability, his changed behavior to a “good person” who can “adapt to society,” as well as Yuth’s acceptance that he had gone “too far.”

Sou Yean, 45
 

On October 22, 2020, the authorities arrested Sou Yean, a former provincial party chief of the of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), in Prey Treak village, Teak commune, Memot district, Tbong Khmum province.  

On October 3, the authorities arrested and questioned three CNRP activists wearing t-shirts with Khmer imprint, saying “Thank you for peace, but respect Article 2 of the Constitution.” Article 2 upholds the territorial integrity of Cambodia. One of the activists, Sou Yean’s nephew, said that they acquired the t-shirts from Sou Yean. The authorities released the activists after signing pledges that they will stop from engaging in similar protest activities again – a common tactic by the authorities to stifle dissent.

On October 23, the investigating judge of the Tbong Khmum provincial court charged Sou Yean with incitement to commit a felony (article 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s penal code) and ordered his pre-trial detention at Kampong Cham provincial prison.

There is speculation his arrest may be related to his calls for activists to join protests on October 23, organized to mark the anniversary of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, in front of Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh.

Authorities previously arrested Sou Yean on April 22, 2019, and charged him with “incitement to commit a felony” based on his comments levelled at Prime Minister Hun Sen in a private message on Facebook. His message stated Hun Sen was not keeping his promises such as protecting Cambodia’s forests and fighting corruption and that “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 Pankhem Buthan, deputy chief of the prime minister’s cabinet and president of the Youth Federation of Senaneak, filed a legal complaint against Sou Yean. Upon serving his one-year prison sentence, the authorities released him on April 23, 2020.

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. On April 3, 2020, Hongsreang was released from prison after serving his prison sentence.

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. 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. 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. 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. On March 23, 2019, he appealed his case, seeking that the Phnom Penh court’s ruling to be overturned, which the court rejected. The Supreme Court upheld his conviction and sentence on July 15, 2019.

After serving his 18-month prison sentence, the authorities released Kong Mas on July 23, 2020.

On October 18, the Phnom Penh court convicted him of incitement to commit a felony and sentenced him to 18 months in prison. The same day, the judge of the Phnom Penh court also convicted Sam Rainsy, acting head of the CNRP, and two other CNRP senior members in absentia of incitement to commit a felony and sentenced them similarly to 18 months in prison. Their charges are related to the announcement of CNRP leadership to return to Cambodia and their mobilization of supporters.

Kong Mas is a known government critic who in the past helped with the distribution of fliers produced by Sam Rainsy, currently in exile.

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.

Som Bopha, 39
 

On October 30, 2019, Som Bopha, a Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) activist in Svay Rieng province, died after falling from a police officer’s motorbike on her way to the police station after officers arrested her. She had publicly voiced support of the announced return of acting CNRP leader, Sam Rainsy.

In mid-October, local officials pressured her father-in-law, Hun Yoap, a former elected CNRP commune councilor in Tnaot commune in Kampong Ro district, Svay Rieng province, to defect to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. He was later listed as one of the 50 former CNRP members who surrendered to the authorities to avoid charges of plotting a coup (article 454 of Cambodia’s criminal code). After Bopha and her husband had an argument, Hun Yoap had filed a domestic abuse complaint against her with the police. Authorities cited the complaint as the reason they arrived at the house to arrest her, but they did not have an arrest warrant.

More than a dozen police officers arrived at her house to arrest her. Bopha told them she was not feeling well. Family members proposed to the police to drive her instead with their car to the police station, but the arresting officers refused. The police arrived in an SUV and seven motorbikes. A video posted on Facebook shows her unconscious after the fall off the motorbike.