Former opposition party leader freed in Cambodia

By Associated Press 10 September 2018, 12:00AM

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The leader of Cambodia's now dissolved opposition party was released on bail Monday after being jailed for a year on a treason charge, a government spokesman said.

Kem Sokha was arrested last September on the basis of years-old videos showing him at a seminar where he spoke about receiving advice from U.S. pro-democracy groups. His opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party denied the treason allegation, calling it politically motivated.

Another court last November dissolved the opposition party, saying it was plotting with U.S. assistance to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has led the country for decades. With no credible opposition, Hun Sen and his party won July elections to extend his stay in power, in a vote seen by much of the international community as unfair.

Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, said the Phnom Penh Municipal Court released Kem Sokha on Monday as requested by his lawyers. He did not provide details.

On Aug. 30, a court extended Kem Sokha's pre-trial detention by six months. Cambodia's courts are considered to be heavily politicized and under the influence of Hun Sen's ruling party.

Last week there were hopes among Kem Sokha's supporters that he might be released because in the past two weeks more than 20 people imprisoned for political activities have been freed with pardons or on bail.

On August 29, Hun Sen said publicly that Kem Sokha would not be released and would not receive a pardon because he has not yet been convicted.

By Associated Press 10 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>