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The Phnom Penh Appeal Court on Tuesday upheld the conviction of two political activists from National Power Party (NPP) and a construction material delivery worker, sentencing them to 18 months in prison for incitement, according to rights NGO Licadho.
Doem Kieng, a member of NPP’s working group in Kampong Speu province, and Khou Hang Meang, an NPP supporter, were arrested in June 2025, while construction worker and social media user, Chhuon Chhean, was arrested last July.
Licadho said the three individuals are among 109 “prisoners of conscience” detained in prison for their activism work or exercising their freedom of expression.
According to the organization, Doem Kieng was arrested based on a private conversation and charged with “incitement to cause serious chaos to social security” and “insult” under Articles 494, 495, and 502 of the Criminal Code.
Khou Hang Meang was charged with incitement last December for social media comments about the way the government handled the Cambodia-Thailand border issue.
Meanwhile, Chhoeun Chhean was charged with incitement to discrimination, public defamation, and public insult under Articles 496, 305, and 307 of the Criminal Code.
Licadho operations director Am Sam Ath expressed regret over the court’s decision, noting that upholding the conviction could trigger further criticism from national and international human rights organizations regarding restrictions on freedom of expression.
“Retaining this verdict could lead to continued criticism regarding restrictions on freedom of expression,” he said.
Hang Meang’s wife, Leng Ranit, said even though her husband has only two months left to serve on his sentence, she would continue to file an appeal with the Supreme Court because she believes the court lacked evidence to convict him.
“From what I heard in court, there was not enough evidence to charge him with incitement; it makes no sense. So, the only option is to proceed to the Supreme Court.”
Ranit said the court proceedings centered on his online comments and the sharing of information regarding border issues. He was arrested on June 11, 2025 and would serve his sentence till December 15, 2026.
Her family is currently facing hardship following her husband’s detention, she shared. She works in a factory and has to single-handedly support their two children, one in 7th grade and the other in 8th grade. Their home, bought on a mortgage, has been put for sale because they can no longer afford the monthly payments.
Lawyer Em Chantha, who represented Hang Meang, viewed the Appeal Court’s decision as unjust, given that the case stemmed merely from expressing an opinion on social media.
“The Appeal Court failed to consider what my client’s arguments presented and simply upheld the conclusions of the Court of First Instance,” Chantha said.
NPP vice president Sok Kimseng felt that the decision was unfair, maintaining that the two political activists should be afforded equal rights before the law.
“The National Power Party consistently calls on the courts to ensure justice for political activists and leaders, as well as human rights and environmental activists. With regard to their role and obligation as Khmer citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution, they have not committed any wrongdoing.”
According to the Kimseng, 18 NPP activists are currently imprisoned for alleged political activities and for exercising their rights.