The treason trial of Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha opened yesterday, more than two years after his arrest in a case decried by his family as a “farce” and described by the US as politically motivated.
The 66-year-old co-founded the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, once considered the sole viable opponent to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) led by strongman premier Hun Sen - who has ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for 35 years.
Sokha was arrested in 2017 and his party dissolved ahead of widely criticised elections the following year - leaving the CPP to canter to victory virtually uncontested.
The opposition leader was first detained in a remote prison then placed under house arrest before his bail conditions were relaxed in November last year.
“I haven’t committed any acts... detrimental to the national interests,” Sokha said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page as the court sat.
“My political activities were focused on the participation in free, fair and just elections.”
He stands accused of conspiring in a “secret plan” with foreign entities to overthrow the government, according to court documents - charges he vehemently denies.
If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in jail.
Police surrounded the Phnom Penh court yesterday morning as Sokha arrived for hearings.
Reporters and human rights monitors were barred from entering the court, with the limited seating reserved for foreign diplomats and relatives.
Kem Sokha’s daughter Kem Monovithya yesterday decried the proceedings.
“This whole ordeal is a farce,” she said.
“It is damaging to Cambodia’s image. We hope he will be acquitted, so Cambodia can begin to get back on a democratic path.”
Amnesty International called the trial “a mockery of justice”, while the US State Department has said the charges “appear to be politically motivated”.
Due to concerns over human rights, the European Union is reviewing whether Cambodia should be withdrawn from a tariff- and duty-free scheme.
If axed, it could deal a blow worth billions to the kingdom’s lucrative garment sector.
While preferential access to Western markets is essential for some sectors, the kingdom’s economy has been pumped up on Chinese investment and soft loans - delivered without questions over rights and democracy.
To relieve international pressure, the government may reach for a compromise solution to the Sokha issue, according to political analyst Ou Virak.
This could come in the form of a royal pardon if Kem Sokha is convicted, he said.
Police stand guard near the Municipal Court of Phnom Penh where the trial of opposition leader Kem Sokha opened yesterday..
