Cambodia resumes mass opposition trial

The trial of more than 60 critics and opponents of the Cambodian government charged with treason and other offenses for taking part in nonviolent political activities resumed Thursday, with rights advocates sceptical that justice is being served. The defendants are mostly former members or supporters of the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had been the sole credible political opposition until Cambodia's highest court in late 2017 ordered its dissolution.

Many of the defendants are accused of being involved with organizing a failed effort by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy to return from exile in November 2019. Virtually all of the defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit treason and incitement to commit a felony, which together carry a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison, according to defense lawyers and human rights activists. The allegedly illegal activities took place at various times over the past three years.

The initial hearing by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for about 130 defendants was held in November last year, at which the judge agreed to split the defendants into two groups to make the proceedings easier, and allow those who did not yet have lawyers and declined court-appointed ones to find representation. The hearings for the second batch are slated to begin on March 4.

Dozens of those charged are believed to be abroad, but under Cambodian law can be tried and sentenced in absentia. A statement issued Thursday by Amnesty International said that along with related cases, approximately 150 opposition politicians and supporters are facing mass trials. One of the best-known defendants living in Cambodia is Theary Seng, a Cambodian-American lawyer who has long been one of the most outspoken critics of prime minister Hun Sen and his government.

Speaking to reporters Thursday on her arrival at court, she declared she was not afraid of Hun Sen's regime and would not be intimidated. Describing the charges as bogus and baseless, and the proceedings as "a sham trial," she declared that "the decision will be made by politicians, not judges."

"I'm being persecuted for my political opinion, for expressing my opinion," she said.

Hun Sen has been in power for more than three decades, and tolerates little opposition. An adroit political operator, he has employed both guile and force to maintain his position in an ostensibly democratic state. The Cambodia National Rescue Party was the only opposition party in Parliament, but had been expected to present a strong challenge to Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party in the 2018 general election.

But in late 2017, Hun Sen launched a sweeping crackdown on his opponents and the CNRP was forced by the high court to disband and its lawmakers removed from Parliament. Many people believe the court acted to ensure that Hun Sen's party won by sweeping all the seats. Hun Sen's actions had significant consequences for Cambodia. Several Western nations imposed sanctions on his government, mainly after concluding that the 2018 election was neither free nor fair. The harshest measure came from the European Union, which last year withdrew some preferential trading privileges.