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A social activist was sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to two years’ jail for incitement to commit a felony on Tuesday for his activism and fined four million riel. His lawyer, who argued that his client was exercising his freedom of expression, said that an appeal would be filed next week.
Outspoken Thou Vakhim was detained in Phnom Penh last September for social comments he regularly posted on Facebook. He spoke about human rights violations, including calling for the release of former youth leader Koet Saray, five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental activists, and justice for murdered political analyst Kem Ley, according to NGO Licadho.
“[…] cannot accept [the conviction], it is unfair to my client. He didn’t commit [the offense] which he has been charged with. He was only exercising his right to freedom of expression,” said lawyer Em Chantha.
The right to freedom of expression on Facebook by clicking “Share” and “Comment” with regard to the criticism of government leaders, particularly in relation to the Cambodia-Thailand border issue, would be challenged, he said.
Vakhim’s aunt, Doeuk Sam, called for the release of her nephew as he had done nothing wrong.
“It is unfair because he did not do anything to harm social order,” she said.
Heng Kimsour, policy and advocacy officer at the Partnership for Environment and Development Organization, echoed Chantha’s view that the conviction was unfair.
“In my opinion, youths play an important role in monitoring issues that the government has failed to address. The government should encourage young people who dare to speak the truth about social issues,” she said.
Vakhim, a former monk at Wat Than pagoda in Phnom Penh, left monkhood after being ordered to stop his activism. Before his arrest in January 2025, he was asked to apologize for comments he gave Radio Free Asia about jailed youth activists coerced into making apology videos in exchange for their release.
Vakhim is among Licadho’s 97 Prisoner of Interest who are currently imprisoned due their activism and expression.
“A conviction against him [Thou Vakhim] will affect the right to freedom of expression and discourage other youths who are actively engaged in society. It will make them fear for their safety and security,” said Am Sam Ath, operations director of Licadho.
He said both national and international groups worry that civic space in Cambodia continues to shrink and face increasing restrictions, particularly through the use of the Criminal Code to prosecute people who exercise their right to freedom of expression.
