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Cambodia begins mass trial of opposition activists
Source: Associated Press
Cambodia begins mass trial of opposition activists
By SOPHENG CHEANG
November 26, 2020
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A Cambodian court on Thursday began hearing the cases of nearly 130 government critics and opponents charged with treason for taking part in nonviolent political activities over the past three years, in what one of them called a sham trial.
Only 33 defendants attended Thursday’s session at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, with some believed to be overseas. Most are former members or supporters of the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party.
As the sole opposition party in Parliament, it had been expected to present a strong challenge to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party in the 2018 general election. But in late 2017, Hun Sen launched a sweeping crackdown on his opponents and the CNRP was forced by the high court to disband and its lawmakers removed from Parliament. Many people believe the court acted to ensure that Hun Sen’s party won by sweeping all the seats.
Virtually all of the defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit treason and incitement to commit a felony, which together carry a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison, according to defense lawyers and human rights activists.
It was not immediately clear why only 33 defendants attended Thursday’s court session. An unknown number are believed to be living abroad, including senior politicians and Cambodian laborers in neighboring countries, said Ny Sokha of the local rights group ADHOC. Cambodian law allows trials in absentia.
-snip-
By SOPHENG CHEANG
November 26, 2020
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A Cambodian court on Thursday began hearing the cases of nearly 130 government critics and opponents charged with treason for taking part in nonviolent political activities over the past three years, in what one of them called a sham trial.
Only 33 defendants attended Thursday’s session at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, with some believed to be overseas. Most are former members or supporters of the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party.
As the sole opposition party in Parliament, it had been expected to present a strong challenge to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party in the 2018 general election. But in late 2017, Hun Sen launched a sweeping crackdown on his opponents and the CNRP was forced by the high court to disband and its lawmakers removed from Parliament. Many people believe the court acted to ensure that Hun Sen’s party won by sweeping all the seats.
Virtually all of the defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit treason and incitement to commit a felony, which together carry a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison, according to defense lawyers and human rights activists.
It was not immediately clear why only 33 defendants attended Thursday’s court session. An unknown number are believed to be living abroad, including senior politicians and Cambodian laborers in neighboring countries, said Ny Sokha of the local rights group ADHOC. Cambodian law allows trials in absentia.
-snip-
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-trials-general-elections-elections-cambodia-fa4654b4c8eda338a92da7e73f447f03