US, UN condemn Cambodia opposition ruling

HRW

The United States and the United Nations have criticised Cambodia’s appeals court for upholding the treason conviction of opposition leader Kem Sokha, describing the ruling as a further blow to political freedoms.

On 30 April, the Phnom Penh court confirmed Sokha’s 27‑year sentence, which he is serving under house arrest. The 72‑year‑old co‑founder of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party was accused of plotting to overthrow the government of Hun Sen, the former prime minister who remains a dominant figure behind his son, current leader Hun Manet. Sokha has denied the charge since his arrest in 2017, which stemmed from a speech he gave in Australia.

“The United States is troubled by the decision to uphold activist and opposition leader Kem Sokha’s conviction of treason,” the State Department said on 1 May, rejecting claims of US involvement as “patently false and irresponsible.” Washington has previously dismissed the case as built on “fabricated conspiracy theories.”

Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, echoed the concern, saying he was “deeply troubled” by the ruling. His office also condemned the convictions of 33 other activists, journalists and social media users in a separate case last week, warning that vague laws are being used to criminalise legitimate criticism.

“These convictions and sentences are clearly inconsistent with international human rights law,” said OHCHR spokesman Jeremy Laurence, urging Cambodia to quash the verdicts and release those detained.

According to Antonio Graceffo, the case illustrates how Cambodia’s judiciary is being used to suppress dissent, with mass trials and sweeping charges leaving opposition voices sidelined. Rights groups argue the crackdown has created a chilling effect across civil society, damaging Cambodia’s international standing.

For Sokha, the ruling cements his isolation from public life. For Cambodia, it signals that the government remains unwilling to tolerate meaningful opposition, despite mounting pressure from abroad.

-2026-05-03