Family members of convicted CNRP activists gather at Preah Ang Dorngkeu Shrine in Phnom Penh after an Appeal Court hearing on Tuesday, 13 September 2022.

The Phnom Penh Appeal Court this morning upheld the March 2022 convictions and prison sentences of 12 former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) members and one former Interior Ministry official on charges of plotting and incitement.

The case was one of several mass trials launched against former supporters and leaders of the CNRP since November 2020. It centred on alleged support for the “Cambodia National Rescue Movement” abroad and opinions regarding the government’s response to COVID-19 that were made in private online and phone chats and conversations.

The 13 individuals – Chhon Bunchhat, Long Phary, Khut Chroeb, Ngin Khean, Yim Sareth, Khoem Pheana, Thai Sokunthea, Keo Thai, Nhaem Van, Chum Chan, Sok Chantha, Peat Mab, and Sun Thun – were convicted on 17 March 2022 by Phnom Penh Municipal Court and sentenced to 5 years in prison, with a portion of their sentences suspended. The 13 men were detained throughout their trial in the lower court – some were held in detention for over two years – and all are currently serving their remaining sentences of 3 years and 8 months in prison. Last month, at least 12 of the convicted activists were transferred to remote Correctional Centre 3 prison in Tbong Khmum province, as part of a larger group of imprisoned CNRP activists transferred from Phnom Penh to the prison.

Seven other former CNRP leaders, including Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua and Eng Chai Eang, were defendants in the lower court case and convicted in absentia on charges of incitement, plotting, and inciting military personnel to disobedience, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. They did not join this appeal.

Many of the defendants were subjected to a five-year ban on political activities in 2017, which will expire this November. Their convictions carry with them a separate ban on certain political activities, such as holding leadership positions in a political party or running for the National Assembly.