Prum Chantha, the wife of Kak Komphear, shouts as she calls for the release of her imprisoned husband alongside other family members of detained CNRP activists outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in August 2021.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court this morning convicted former leaders, members and supporters of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) of plotting and incitement under Articles 453, 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code.

Twelve former CNRP leaders were convicted in absentia and handed prison sentences of eight years. Nineteen other members and supporters were each sentenced to six years in prison. The court issued detention warrants for these 31 people this morning.

Another 20 activists received fully suspended five-year prison sentences, meaning they will not serve time in prison. The remaining nine defendants were not named in this morning's verdict, and the judgment against them was unclear. No charges were dropped in the verdict as it was read in court. One of the nine, Yim Sinorn, later told local media that the charges against the nine had been dropped in January 2022 after they wrote a request to the prime minister.

Seng Chantheary, who also goes by Seng Theary and holds US and Cambodian citizenships, was among those who received a six-year sentence. She was arrested outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, where she had gathered this morning dressed as the Statue of Liberty to protest the charges, after the verdict was read.

Four other defendants were already in detention, including Kak Komphear, Heng Chan Sothy and Tum Bunthorn, who are detained in Correctional Center 1; and York Neang, who is detained in PJ prison. They each received six-year sentences. York Neang was arrested in April 2022 after becoming a party officer with the opposition Candlelight Party.

The four detainees were the only defendants present in the courtroom this morning. Prum Chantha, the wife of Kak Komphear and one of the only family members present in the court room today, cried and tried to reach her husband as security officers blocked defendants from court observers and dragged the defendants from the court room.

During the trial, defence lawyers repeatedly raised that multiple defendants were not properly summonsed to stand trial. Almost all the defendants were tried in absentia.

Trial hearings spanned from November 2020 to April 2022. They primarily focused on CNRP leaders’ – particularly former party leader Sam Rainsy’s – attempt to return to Cambodia in November 2019, as well as the establishment of the Cambodia National Rescue Movement abroad.

Facebook posts expressing support for the former opposition party or democratic principles made up the bulk of the evidence presented. Clear links were not made between the evidence accepted, each individual defendant and each element of the charges, and the judge did not provide any analysis for this morning’s decision.

Today’s verdict follows a mass trial that was initiated in November 2020 against 138 former CNRP activists. The mass trial was subsequently divided in two mass trials comprising a total of four cases. Today’s verdict announcement refers to case numbers 1140 and 6005 which involve a total of 60 defendants, while 78 defendants are awaiting trial in case numbers 6725 and 7818.

Those sentenced to eight years in prison are: Sam Rainsy; Eng Chhai Eang; Mu Sochua; Tok Vanchan; Ho Vann; Ou Chanrith; Long Ry; Men Sothavarin; Um Sam An; Mounh Sarath; Ysa Osman; and Kong Saphea.

Those sentenced to six years in prison are: Kak Komphear; Heng Chan Sothy; Tum Bunthorn; York Neang; Oun Pov; Niv Chamroeun; Seng Chantheary; Chea Chiv; Long Botta; Heng Danaro; Chham Chhaya; Tor Nimol; Heng Layhour; Khin Chumroeun; Neang Sokhun; Suon Chamroeun; Rin Rath; Seng Bunrong; and Chheng Sorphorn.

Those who received suspended five-year sentences are: Ly Ratanakraksmey; Sot Vandy; Prum Rath; Phoung Tha; Eak Chesda; Hang Sophary; Nov Vichet; Ou Kimhort; Hoeng Tak; Srey Chandara; Chea Yamorn; Van Narith; In Khom; Leng Senghong; Chhat Vichea; Hy Sokchea; Ney Leak; Sao Ousaphea; Khean Vises; and Yu Chantheany.

The verdict for nine others was unclear: Tim Vanney; Ros Sophal; Chhun Bun Hea; Sok Ratha; Yang Sinet; Prum Sokha; Thong Huoch; Meas Pisal; and Yim Sinorn. It was later reported that the charges against them had been dropped in January 2022.

Today’s verdict is the third verdict in mass trials of former CNRP activists since 2021. Nine former CNRP leaders were convicted for attack against the state in March 2021, while 21 people – including 20 CNRP activists and one government employee – were convicted in March 2022.

This article was updated on 16 June 2022 to reflect that it was reported that the charges against nine defendants had been dropped in January 2022.

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