Cambodia's Supreme Court upheld the incitement conviction of opposition politician Rong Chhun, suspending the remainder of his sentence. The ruling bars him from political activities for five years and international travel for three.
The ruling reinforces concerns about the limited democratic freedoms in Cambodia and the government's efforts to suppress dissent.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Supreme Court on Friday upheld the incitement conviction of a prominent opposition politician, Rong Chhun, while suspending the remainder of his sentence. The decision keeps him out of prison but bars him from political activities for years.
The 56-year-old Rong Chhun, a top adviser to the Nation Power Party, was found guilty last year of inciting social unrest after meeting with villagers displaced by government construction projects. The verdict is widely viewed as one of several legal actions by Prime Minister Hun Manet's government aimed at stifling criticism.
Under the ruling, Rong Chhun will be prohibited from any involvement in politics for five years, including voting or standing as a candidate. He will also be banned from traveling abroad for three years, which constitutes the remainder of his original four-year sentence. Rong Chhun had been free while his appeal was pending.
His attorney, Em Chantha, informed reporters of the details. Supreme Court decisions are final, but Rong Chhun stated that he and his attorney would thoroughly review the verdict to determine if there is a possibility of seeking a pardon from Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni.