‘Troublesome’ Seng Theary shifted to Preah Vihear provincial prison in Cambodian-Thai-Border


Buth Reaksmey Kongkea 

Convicted opposition activist Seng Chan Theary, has allegedly caused trouble in Correctional Centre 2, and was transferred to the Preah Vihear provincial prison. 

A Correction Centre 2’s prison officer Major Chheng Sochea told Khmer Times yesterday that Chan Theary was transferred the prison in Preah Vihear province on Wednesday because she has been causing trouble inside after arriving to serve her sentence. 

He said that the authorities also wanted to prevent any possible protests by her supporters or opposition NGOs which will cause chaos and insecurity at the prison in Phnom Penh. 

He did not provide further details and Lieutenant General Nuth Savna, the Deputy Director and spokesman at the General Department of Prisons, could not be reached for comment yesterday. 

Chan Theary was sentenced on Tuesday by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to six years in prison for alleged “plotting and incitement” linked to former opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Mu Sochua’s activities and their plans to return from exile on November 9, 2019. 

Meanwhile, Chan Theary’s lawyer Chou Chuong Ngy said yesterday that he will submit the letter today to the General Department of Prisons and request to be allowed to meet her in the Preah Vihear provincial prison to discuss the possibility of an appeal. 

Chuong Ngy said that on the day of the sentencing, his client was not present court but waited outside and addressed a group of supporters who were staging a protest. 

He said following her conviction, police arrested Chan Theary and immediately sent her for detention in the Correctional Centre 2 [C2] on the outskirts of the city, in Dangkor district. 

Chuong Ng noted that next day, his client was transferred from the Correctional Centre 2 [C2] to the Preah Vihear provincial prison along the Cambodian-Thai border.

“I regret that the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Miss Seng Chan Theary to six years in prison, based only on her messages and nine photos that posted on the social media regarding Mr Sam Rainsy’s planned return on November 9,” he said. 

“She was exercising her right to freedom of expression which has been guaranteed by the Constitution as well as in international law,” Chuong Ng added. “It was not an act of plotting and inciting to go against the government which she is accused of,” he added. 

“I will meet her and discuss the possibility to appeal against the judgment of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to the Court of Appeal and ask for a retrial,” he added.


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