Former CNRP leader Kem Sokha addresses supporters in Phnom Penh in 2014.

Former opposition leader Kem Sokha – who has been imprisoned without trial for over a year– was released under judicial supervision this morning and put under effective house arrest.

The court order signed by Investigating Judge Ky Rithy released Sokha on bail but stipulated that he could not leave the immediate vicinity of his address in Phnom Penh. Other strict and unprecedented restrictions were also imposed.

The 65-year old leader of the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is banned from meeting former CNRP members, anyone involved in his case, or any foreign nationals and cannot engage in any political activity.

At a Supreme Court bail hearing last month, Presiding Judge Kung Srim rejected defence claims that Kem Sokha needed medical care which was not available in the remote CC3 prison and said it was “reasonable” to deny bail in order to “maintain peace and stability”.

Sokha has been detained since 3 September 2017 and charged with treason under article 443 of the Criminal Code for “conspiring with a foreign power”. No credible evidence has been made public.

The CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November 2017 at the request of the government, using a recently adopted and repressive law governing political parties.