Takeo provincial authorities arrested Phan Sarath, deputy chairman of Daun Keo Municipal Executive Committee of Nation Power Party (NPP), on January 28 for allegedly inciting chaos to disrupt social security, spreading false information with the intention to incite, leading to discrimination against the leadership, and harming national security.
The National Police confirmed the next day that an investigation was conducted on Sarath by the Phnom Penh police and was arrested with the cooperation of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
On the morning of January 30, he was transferred to the Phnom Penh police department for questioning. According to the authorities, they accused Sarath of the alleged act based on his confession and evidence. Later that day, police filed a case and referred it to court for legal action.
On January 29, NPP said Sarath was arrested by civilians and without an official warrant. The reason for his detention was unclear. The party urged the authorities to release him, along with other political prisoners, while emphasizing the need for a fair political environment where political parties can operate freely under the Constitution and Law on Political Parties.
The arrest follows the conviction of NPP president Sun Chanthy, who was sentenced to two years in prison and fined four million riel (approximately $1,000) for incitement to disturb social security.
Am Sam Ath, operations director of rights group LICADHO, said the organization is investigating the circumstances of Sarath’s arrest. “We frequently see activists and opposition politicians claim that such arrests are politically motivated rather than a result of strict law enforcement,” he said.
Prior to NPP’s statement, Rong Chhun, senior advisor to the party, said he did not receive any information regarding Sarath’s arrest or whereabouts. He condemned the move as an attempt to intimidate activists and opposition politicians.
“These arrests do not benefit society. The government should ensure political freedom, and allow parties to fully exercise their right and prepare for the 2027-2028 elections,” Chhun added.
The party intends to hire a lawyer to defend Sarath when more details about his case emerge, he told CamboJA News.
National Police spokespersons Chhay Kim Khoeun and Chea Pov, who is with the Technology Crime Prevention Department, as well as Sam Vicheka, Phnom Penh Police spokesperson, did not respond to requests for comment.