26-12-2024 (PHNOM PENH) A Cambodian opposition figure has been handed a two-year prison sentence and stripped of his political rights in what critics describe as the latest move to silence government opposition in the Southeast Asian nation.
Sun Chanthy, who heads the Nation Power party, was convicted of inciting social disorder by a Phnom Penh court. The ruling carries a substantial fine of 4 million riel (approximately $1000) and bars him from both voting and seeking public office.
The charges stem from social media activity, including footage from a supporters’ gathering in Japan where Chanthy voiced criticism of governmental policies. His remarks reportedly challenged the administration’s handling of social welfare distribution and highlighted concerns about citizens’ mounting bank debt.
Defence counsel Choung Choungy denounced the verdict as unjust, maintaining that his client’s statements constituted legitimate political discourse rather than criminal behaviour. “This was constructive criticism aimed at national development, not a transgression,” Choungy told reporters, indicating that an appeal is under consideration.
The case adds to a growing pattern of legal action against political opponents in Cambodia. Chanthy’s political career has been marked by upheaval, having previously served in senior positions within the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party and later the Candlelight party, which was barred from participating in last year’s election.
The vote, widely criticised as one-sided, saw the victory of long-serving leader Hun Sen, who subsequently transferred power to his son, Hun Manet. Though authorities insist the prosecution was not politically motivated, it follows a series of similar cases targeting opposition figures, environmentalists, and journalists.
Notable among current cases is that of Rong Chhun, a Nation Power party adviser, who faces up to six years’ imprisonment on similar incitement charges. The crackdown has also ensnared union leaders and Mech Dara, an acclaimed journalist whose September arrest for investigating corruption and human trafficking sparked international condemnation.
