Cambodia: Mass Trial of Opposition Members Charged with Treason

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Facts

  • On Thurs., 37 defendants associated with the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) were summoned to a court in the capital, Phnom Penh, on charges of treason, marking the third mass trial of opponents of the long-ruling Prime Minister Hun Sen.
  • Only three defendants were physically present, as the rest are reportedly either in exile or hiding, with former opposition leader Sam Rainsy and several top leaders of the disbanded CNRP among those absent. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.
  • The allegations stem from an abortive attempt by a top CNRP leader, Mu Sochua, to return from self-exile to face trial in a separate case against her in Jan. 2021, which the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) has characterized as a plot to overthrow it.
  • The Cambodian government has reportedly charged more than 100 former CNRP politicians and activists with treason and incitement over the past three years. Only a few haven't been convicted and sentenced to prison.
  • In 2013, the CNRP came close to defeating the ruling CPP and its leader Hun Sen, but it was dissolved by the courts before the 2018 election on charges of planning to seize power.
  • The opposition's disbanding allowed Hun Sen's CPP to sweep all seats in the 2018 election, reinforcing his political influence. Hun Sen has been in power for 37 years.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Manila Times, Diplomat, and UCA News.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by HRW. Hun Sen and the CPP's attacks on the opposition are just another example of their authoritarian inclinations. Cambodia is now essentially a one-party state, as the CCP has full control of the government, and Hun Sen has turned himself into an autocrat after more than 30 years of ruling the country.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Phnom Penh Post. Though these moves against the opposition may seem extreme, they're necessary to keep Cambodia stable. CNRP leaders have attempted to return to the country to destabilize Cambodian politics and overthrow the government, inciting military and social unrest and planning illegal activities.