13 among 21 convicted ex-CNRP activists attend appeal hearing


Buth Reaksmey Kongkea 

Thirteen of 21 convicted activists of court dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) attended their appeal hearing by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday. 

Earlier in the year, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court has sentenced Sam Rainsy, former leader of CNRP, and 20 others of the party from five to ten years in prison each for allegedly threatening social security and attempt to overthrow the government between 2018 and 2019.

During yesterday’s appeal hearing, the 13 accused who were present at the courtroom, said that charges against them were politically motivated by the current government and urged the court to revoke the lower court ruling and release them. 

Presiding Judge Yun Narong said that Phnom Penh Municipal Court on 17 March sentenced Sam Rainsy, his wife Tioulong Saumura, Mu Sochua, Eng Chhay Eang, Top Vanchan, Nuth Ramduol, and Ho Vann, (all at large) to 10 years.



The court also sentenced Phary, Chroek, Khean, Bunchhath, Sareth, Pheana, Thai, Vean, Chan, Chantha, Sokunthea, Mab, and Thun, CNRP’s communal councillors and activists, to five years in prison each but the term was reduced to three years and eight months in prison each. 

Judge Narong said that Sam Rainsy, in January 2018, formed an illegal political movement in exile named Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRM) aimed at gathering former CNRP’s activists and supporters to topple the government. He announced return from his self-imposed exile on November 9, 2018. The 13 accused prepared a plan to gather people to go and greet Rainsy on his arrival. 


He added that Rainsy, Saumura, Sochua, Chhay Eang, Vanchan, Ramduol, and Vann, were charged with three accounts on ‘plotting, incitement to cause social unrest, while other 14 accused were charged with ‘plotting and incitement to cause social unrest’.

 A verdict is due on September 13, 2022. 

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