Update on Hunger Strike by Theary Seng, Cambodian-American Lawyer and Political Prisoner in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH & WASHINGTON, D.C. —  On June 1, 2025, Cambodian-American lawyer and human rights icon Theary Seng began her fourth hunger strike (http://eepurl.com/jf9N9o) — ahead of the third anniversary of her wrongful imprisonment in Cambodia on June 14, 2022. She was sentenced to six years in prison for peacefully criticizing then-Prime Minister Hun Sen and his regime on Facebook.

The goal of her hunger strike: to demand her unconditional release and that of the other political prisoners in Cambodia. She also wants to shed light on the broader authoritarian shift in Cambodia, including its dynastic power transfer from Hun Sen to his son, Hun Manet, and the severe crackdown on civil liberties.

After eight days without food, Theary lost a staggering 15 pounds (6.8 kg) and suffered life-threatening health complications. On June 8, she ended her strike — only because her health had deteriorated so severely that she was bedridden for three days. But her fight didn’t stop there. Inspired by Cesar Chavez’s 1988 Fast for Life, Theary passed the baton to her loved ones to continue a relay-style hunger strike in solidarity.

From June 8 to June 14, friends and family of Theary, along with Kerry Kennedy, President of RFK Human Rights, her team, and members of Theary’s international legal team from Perseus Strategies — Jared Genser, Hannah Pierce-Carty, and Clea Strydom — will be fasting in 24-hour intervals to raise awareness and advocate for her release.

Despite immense personal sacrifice, Theary’s moral courage never wavers. Her actions are not just about her — they’re about the future of democracy and human rights in Cambodia.

We invite supporters to join this solidarity fast campaign. Whether you fast or not, please share her story and use #FreeTheary to amplify her call to action.