Key facts
- Prominent Cambodian opposition politician Rong Chhun is appealing his incitement conviction at the Supreme Court.
- He was sentenced to four years in prison and barred from political participation.
- The conviction stems from his meeting with villagers displaced by government construction projects.
- Rong Chhun maintains his innocence, stating his actions were limited to posting photos and comments on social media.
- The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict on June 19.
A prominent Cambodian opposition politician, Rong Chhun, has appealed his incitement conviction to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn a sentence that bars him from political activities. Chhun, a key adviser to the Nation Power Party, was found guilty last year of inciting social unrest after meeting with villagers displaced by government construction projects. He was sentenced to four years in prison and prohibited from voting or holding office.
During his appeal hearing, Chhun maintained his innocence, asserting that his actions were limited to posting photos and comments on Facebook. He emerged from the court to a crowd of approximately 300 supporters chanting for his release and the dropping of charges. Chhun expressed a desire to promote national reconciliation and unity within Cambodia, citing the country's economic struggles and regional tensions.
Incitement charges are frequently used against government opponents in Cambodia. Chhun had previously received a two-year sentence for similar charges in 2021 related to comments about Cambodia's border with Vietnam, but he was released by an appeals court later that year. Despite the government's claims of promoting the rule of law, political parties challenging the ruling Cambodian People's Party have faced dissolution or legal action against their leaders. The Supreme Court is scheduled to issue its verdict on June 19.