PHNOM PENH, Aug 5 — A Cambodian court today detained three more opposition activists for insurrection over their alleged roles in protests that turned violent last year, a move condemned as politically motivated by a rights group.
Last month 11 opposition members and activists were jailed on the same charges — including three who received 20-year sentences.
The legal moves against supporters of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) stem from clashes between protesters and authorities in July last year during a demonstration against the closure of Freedom Park, a key site for public rallies in Phnom Penh.
Dozens of security officers and several protesters were injured in the clashes.
Two activists aged 28 and 33 were charged and held in custody today pending their trial by a Phnom Penh court, their lawyer Sam Sokong told AFP.
“They could face up to seven years in jail if the court finds them guilty,” said Sokong, adding that while they attended the 2014 protest “they did not use violence”.
A third activist, who was arrested later today, was also charged and detained, Sokong said.
The court did not set a trial date.
In a statement the CNRP appealed for the “immediate release” of all of their supporters, while the Cambodian Center for Human Rights said the charges were based on “political interference, rather than the pursuit of justice”.
The July conviction of the group of 11 triggered fresh criticism of Premier Hun Sen, accused of stepping up suppression of dissent in a kingdom that he has led for more than three decades.
It also led to accusations of political bias by the courts.
Hun Sen said he had not interfered in the case and hit out at foreign groups and local rights campaigners for ignoring the injuries sustained by security guards during the protest.
Hun Sen has brooked little dissent during his time in office.
He has successfully played off his rivals using a combination of the court rulings, hard power and small compromises to blunt opposition. — AFP
