A Cambodian opposition leader has been found guilty of inciting social disorder and sentenced to two years in prison and banned from running for office in the latest case targeting government critics.
People's Power Party leader Sang Chansi was found guilty in a Phnom Penh court. He was fined 4 million riel (800 pounds) and stripped of his right to vote or stand for election.
Defense lawyer Chung Chun-yi said the sentence was “unjust” for his client and was considering whether to appeal.
The case against Saint Chansey centers on his social media posts, including a video criticizing the Cambodian government, filmed during a meeting with Japanese supporters.
According to pro-government media reports published at the time of his arrest in May, Sun Chanxi criticized the government's system for distributing social welfare, saying government policies were leaving people in debt with banks. was.
Choung Choungy told AFP that the punishment handed down was very serious and that Sun Chanthy's comments were not a mistake but “constructive criticism of the development”.
The Cambodian government has repeatedly used the courts to silence political opponents and activists, and to shut down and harass independent media.
Saint Chancey was a former leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party until it was dissolved by the courts before the 2018 elections. He later joined the unofficial successor party, the Candlelight Party, but was barred from participating in last year's elections. Late last year, Sun Chanxi helped form a new opposition party, the People's Power Party.
Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly 40 years, handed over power to his son Hun Manet immediately after the election.
Authorities deny that the case against Saint Chancey is politically motivated.
Long Chun, an adviser to the People's Power Party, has also been charged with sedition and could be sentenced to up to six years in prison if convicted.
Similar charges were filed this year against trade union leaders, environmental activists and Mek Dara, an award-winning Cambodian journalist known for exposing corruption and human trafficking, after his September The arrest sparked a global outcry.
