Cambodia sentences green campaigners over their environmental activism

Environmental activist Phuon Keoraksmey is arrested after a verdict in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, where a Cambodian court sentenced 10 environmentalists to between six and eight years in jail for plotting to commit crimes in their activism. | AFP-JIJI

by SUY SE
July 3, 2024

PHNOM PENH – A Cambodian court on Tuesday sentenced 10 environmentalists to between six and eight years in jail over their activism in a case condemned by rights campaigners as a "crushing blow" to the kingdom's civil society.

The activists from Mother Nature, one of Cambodia's few environmental advocacy groups, denied charges of plotting against the state, which they said were politically motivated.

The court sentenced the activists to jail terms ranging from six to eight years, Am Sam Ath, operations director of rights group LICADHO, said.