The Supreme Court of Cambodia pictured on 10 November 2023.

The Supreme Court this morning rejected the appeal of one Candlelight Party official and denied bail to another Candlelight official in two separate cases, leaving both behind bars.

The court rejected the appeal of Touch Theung, a province-level Candlelight Party chief who was convicted on charges of forgery and use of forged documents earlier this year. The Supreme Court also upheld an order of pre-trial detention for Chao Veasna, Poipet District President and Steering Committee member of the Candlelight Party, who is awaiting trial on charges of incitement. Both opposition officials were returned to prison after the hearing.

Theung, 74, was convicted of forgery and related charges along with 12 other defendants in March 2023. These convictions related to their support for the registration of a new opposition party, the Cambodia National Heart Party (CNHP), in late 2021. Theung was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 5 million riel (around USD $1,250).

Veasna, 59, was arrested on 25 July 2023 after allegedly posting a photograph of his spoiled National Election ballot on social media, and charged with incitement to commit a felony and incitement to discriminate under Articles 494-5 and 496 under the Criminal Code. This arrest came shortly after Veasna was released from Correctional Centre 4 (also known as Trapeang Phlong prison) in February 2022, having served a five-year sentence for multiple other convictions. Veasna was at that time an elected commune chief and member of the former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The trial for his present case has not yet been scheduled.

Both Theung and Veasna are reported to be suffering from serious medical conditions that require outside treatment. The Supreme Court today held that Theung’s condition does not warrant release as he can request to be transferred to a hospital if his condition worsens. The court did not significantly address Veasna’s reported medical issues.