Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of 13 People in CNRP Mass Trial
Published on 30 March 2023
The Supreme Court this morning upheld the verdict of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, which convicted 12 members of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and a former Interior Ministry official on charges of incitement and plotting, and sentenced each to 5 years in prison with 16 months suspended. No reasoning was provided by the Supreme Court in its judgment.
The 13 individuals were convicted on 17 March 2022 by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in a mass trial, alongside eight other former CNRP leaders and members who did not file an appeal. The Phnom Penh Appeal Court upheld the convictions of the 13 defendants in December. The 13 individuals are 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.
All 13 men were detained throughout their trial in the lower courts, with several of them detained for up to three years while awaiting today’s final verdict. They remain in Tbong Khmum’s Correctional Centre 3 prison serving the unsuspended portions of their sentences, 3 years and 8 months. The sentences will see them imprisoned throughout Cambodia’s July 2023 National Election.
This case was one of five mass trials launched against former CNRP supporters and leaders since November 2020. It centred on their alleged support for the Cambodia National Rescue Movement founded by exiled former CNRP leader Sam Rainsy, and opinions regarding the government’s response to COVID-19 that were made in private online and phone chats and conversations.
The lower court case involved an additional eight defendants who are former CNRP leaders, including Sam Rainsy, Mu Suchua and Eng Chai Eang. In addition to being convicted of incitement and plotting in absentia, they were also found guilty of inciting military personnel to disobedience and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
