[ad_1]
On Tuesday, the Phnom Penh Capital Court sentenced Criminal Trial 10 Activists from Mother Nature The award-winninga youth-led Cambodian environmental group, on charges stemming from the group’s peaceful environmental activism between 2012 and 2021. At least four activists were immediately arrested outside the court as they sat with supporters calling for a more just judicial system to defend environmental rights.
The group’s successful campaigns have included stopping China-led construction of hydroelectric dams that threaten indigenous communities and helping end the corrupt export of sand from coastal estuaries on Koh Kong Island, which was destroying local ecosystems and fishing grounds.
The verdict is a devastating blow to the 10 activists, who faced six to eight years in prison for their efforts to protect Cambodia’s environment. It also sends a shocking message to young Cambodians that the government will side with special interests at the slightest opportunity and ignore environmental concerns.
Arrest warrants were issued for all 10 activists, who were charged under Article 453 of the Penal Code for plotting against the state. Ly Chandaravuth, Thun Ratha, Long Kunthea, Phuon Keoraksmey, Binh Piseth, Pok Khoeuy and Rai Raksa were sentenced to six years in prison under Article 453.
Sun Rotha, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson and Yim Leanghy were sentenced to eight years in prison and a 10 million riel fine respectively for conspiracy to overthrow the state and insulting the king under Articles 453 and 437.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, like his father and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, has repeatedly ignored UN Experts Solving the closed space Civilized Society Development partners and others working to create a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for Cambodia should call on the government to revoke these sentences and support genuine freedom of expression and association.
Four of the convicted – Chandaravuth, Ratha, Keoraksmey and Kunthea – were present at the hearing and were arrested by uniformed and plainclothes officers immediately after the verdict. The fifth convicted, Mother Nature activist Leanghy, had also attended the previous hearing but was not present for this morning’s arrests.
Spanish national and founder of Mother Nature Gonzalez-Davidson Prohibition of entryThe four other persons charged — Ratha, Piseth, Raksa and Khoeuy — did not appear in court or attend the hearing.
The prosecution and defense completed their closing arguments on June 24 after five hearings in the case, one of which was The five defendants boycotted the trial due to the court’s restrictions on spectators. For their supporters and families.
[ad_2]
Source link
