Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet has been accused of using legal cases as a means to silence dissent. (EPA Images pic)
PHNOM PENH: A court in Cambodia sentenced the head of an opposition party to two years in jail today for inciting social disorder, in the latest criminal case against government opponents.
The court in Phnom Penh found Nation Power Party president Sun Chanthy guilty of the charge, which has been used repeatedly against critical voices in Cambodia.
Rights groups have long accused Cambodia’s government, headed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, of using legal cases as a tactic to silence opposition voices and legitimate political dissent.
As well as the prison term, the court also fined Sun Chanthy four million riel – about US$1,000 – and removed his right to vote or stand for election.
The charges related to social media posts by Sun Chanthy including a video clip in which he criticises the Cambodian government during a meeting with supporters in Japan.
Defence lawyer Choung Choungy said the ruling was an “injustice” to his client and they were considering whether to appeal.
“It is very serious (punishment) as what Sun Chanthy said in Japan wasn’t a mistake but constructive criticism for the development,” he said.
Hun Manet assumed power in 2023 after his father Hun Sen stepped down following nearly four decades of rule.
Rong Chhun, an adviser to the Nation Power Party, which was founded last year, is facing similar incitement charges and could be jailed for up to six years if convicted.
