Cambodian Court Upholds 31-Year Sentence for Ex-Tycoon Sina

In a landmark ruling, Cambodia’s Supreme Court has upheld the 31-year prison sentence handed to disgraced former tycoon Srey Sina for the double murder of an engaged couple and the attempted killing of two others. The decision, delivered on 20 August, closes Sina’s final appeal and reinforces the judiciary’s stance against impunity for the wealthy.

Sina, 51, was convicted of fatally shooting 27-year-old Long Lysong and his fiancée, 25-year-old Khim Kanchana, during a violent dispute on 17 June 2024. Two others—Sokhom Charnak, 20, and Hong Rithearak, 24—were injured in the attack. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court originally sentenced Sina in December 2024, imposing a 31-year term without parole and ordering over $2.5 million in compensation to the victims’ families.

Presiding Judge Taing Sunlay confirmed that the Supreme Court had reviewed the case thoroughly and found the original verdict lawful and proportionate. Sina’s appeal, which argued the sentence was excessive, was dismissed.

The ruling has been welcomed by victims’ families and civil society observers. Chea Anhchaly, mother of the deceased Long Lysong, praised the court’s decision but urged authorities to enforce the compensation order, noting that no payments had yet been received.

“This verdict brings justice to my son and the other victims,” she said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Hun Manet and senior legal officials for their support.

Sina, once a prominent figure with the honorary title of Oknha, was also fined 42 million riel ($10,500) for unauthorised firearm use. His conviction includes charges of home invasion and attempted murder, with sentences to be served consecutively.

Legal analysts have described the case as a test of Cambodia’s judicial independence, with many viewing the outcome as a rare instance of accountability for a high-profile figure. The court’s firm stance may signal a shift in public confidence toward the rule of law, particularly in cases involving elite defendants.

-2025-08-21