Labor activist Rong Chhun, who is also a senior advisor of Nation Power Party, was found guilty of incitement by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for criticizing the ruling party’s border policies and the way it “handles” the illicit cybercrime industry.
Presiding judge Li Sokha sentenced Chhun to four years’ jail and fined four million riel (about $1,000), and issued an additional criminal punishment which stripped him of the “right to vote and stand for election”.
However, the judge did not order Chhun to serve his sentence immediately, adding that he has a right to appeal the decision in the Court of Appeal.
Chhun, who was present outside the court this morning, refused to enter the courtroom to hear his verdict. Authorities tightened security around the court compound by erecting barricades, which prevented around 50 supporters from gathering.
“This is a clear indication that Cambodia still lacks full democracy and continues to suppress dissenting voices,” Chhun told reporters after his verdict.
“I send a message to those in power – stop abusing the legal system to persecute political opponents. Stop making people suffer,” he said.
Chhun believes that his conviction was “politically-motivated” and rallied supporters to keep their spirits up and continue the fight.
The fresh incitement charge against him stems from a video recorded in July in Kandal province, where he accused the government of “disregarding human rights and democratic principles”, including the illicit cybercrime industry in the country.
He later spoke to Radio Free Asia (RFA) regarding Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to the Cambodian-Vietnamese border, noting that there were “irregularities” in 84% of the demarcated border posts.
Chhun, a prominent labor leader and outspoken political figure, formerly led the Cambodian Confederation of Unions and the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA). He also served as a member of the National Election Committee (NEC).
“It is an injustice to him because his actions aren’t wrong. I hope the court will reconsider the charge against him,” Chao Ratanak, second commune chief from Banteay Meanchey province.
“It is the right of citizens to express their opinion in relation to [Hun Manet’s] visit to the border or give an interview [to the media]. It is the right of every citizen,” Ratanak said.
NGO rights group Licadho operations director Am Sam Ath viewed that Chhun will continue criticizing the restrictions on rights and freedoms in Cambodia, including freedom of expression and political participation.
Sam Ath also observed that the series of legal actions against Chhun are closely tied to his right to engage in politics.
“This appears to be a clear form of pressure and a restriction on his fundamental freedoms, particularly his political activities.”
“We’ve seen that this has impacted his basic rights and freedom,” he added. “The right to vote and stand for election are important pillars of any democratic society, and we are sad that these rights are punished by the court,” Sam Ath said.
In April, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered the seizure of Chhun’s assets, over a contested $100,000 fine linked to a 2021 incitement conviction.
