Appeal Court Upholds Kem Sokha Treason Conviction and Impose Five-Year Travel Ban
Veteran opposition politician Kem Sokha has lost his appeal, with the court upholding his 27-year sentence for treason and imposing an additional five-year ban on overseas travel. Embassies and civil society groups said the ruling reinforces concerns over political freedoms, moving away from reconciliation prospects.
Phnom Penh Appeal Court has upheld the conviction of opposition leader Kem Sokha as the ruling of the Municipal Court, which sentenced him to 27 years in prison for treason and imposed a five-year ban on international travel, according to Sokha’s defence lawyer, Pheng Heng, on Thursday, following his last hearing earlier in April.
“The court added an additional five-year ban on Kem Sokha from traveling abroad,” he said. “The five-year sentence was imposed at the request of the prosecutor and government lawyers, who sought a heavier sentence and detention.”
Sokha, 72, a founder of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was convicted of treason over allegations that he colluded with the United States to topple the government of long-time former Prime Minister Hun Sen in 2023. He was sentenced to 27 years and detained at his house. Sokha has denied the charges since his arrest in 2017.
A lower court also stripped him of his political rights and barred him from meeting foreigners or anyone outside his family. UN experts warned the verdict of treason against Sokha is driven by politically motivated and an ongoing pattern of the misapplication of laws
Heng expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. “We hope that the government will seek reconciliation involving political actors, activists and human rights defenders whose work serves society, but today’s verdict runs contrary to those expectations for reconciliation,” he said.
Heng added that he is not yet certain whether Sokha will file a further appeal. He said he will meet with him and proceed based on Sokha’s decision.
Several embassies and international non-government organisations attended the court hearing on Thursday and released statements, including British, Germany, which expressed longstanding concerns. Australia also stated that the outcome further reinforces consistent concerns about the use of legal mechanisms to limit political opposition. The European Union delegation called for political pluralism in Cambodia.
“The appeal ruling in the case of Kem Sokha does not dispel the concerns that have accompanied these proceedings over many years. I note the court’s decision while underlining the importance of due process, judicial independence and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Germany’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Stefan Messerer, said
The United States, whose representatives attended the court proceedings, has not yet issued a statement about the court’s decision.
Am Sam Ath, Operations Director of Licadho, urged political leaders to seek reconciliation and negotiation toward national solidarity. He added that the court’s decision further reflects restrictions in the country’s political freedom landscape.
Source: KiriPost
