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Under the shadow of approaching commune and national elections set for 2017 and 2018, the first six months of 2016 saw the Cambodian government engage with a campaign to systematically shut down processes of democratic expression and ways to express dissent.

Attacks on human rights defenders, the political opposition and civil society grew in number and stepped up in intensity. Civil society space – already a commodity in short supply – was at the forefront of government attacks, from both repressive legislation and misuse of the judicial system. Scores of peaceful protesters were arrested as peaceful gatherings were shut down under the pretext of halting a ‘revolution’. By the end of June, at least 29 political prisoners documented by LICADHO were behind bars.

Less than a year before commune elections, political tensions were ramped up. After the opposition leader was once again forced into self-imposed exile in 2015, this year has seen the deputy leader holed up in the opposition headquarters following a far-reaching smear campaign and an attempted arrest; at least 19 opposition supporters and officials in jail; and much-needed electoral reform grind to a halt.

However, despite ongoing and non-stop threats and intimidation, human rights defenders and other civil society members refused to be silenced in their calls for justice.