The Phnom Penh Municipal Court of Cambodia on Thursday sentenced 20 opposition politicians and activities to five to ten years in prison for incitement, attempting to incite military personnel to disobey, and conspiracy. The 20 individuals were members of the now-dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party who are in opposition to Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

Seven of the 20 individuals convicted, including former CNRP Leader Sam Rainsy, were tried in absentia, as they are currently living abroad. Twelve of the convicted opposition politicians have been held in pretrial detention at Phnom Penh’s Correction Center 1 for up to two years. One was released on bail due to serious health concerns.

During trial, the prosecution argued that the 20 defendants conspired to topple the government. The prosecution used the planned return in November 2019 by the exiled CNRP leadership to Cambodia as evidence. The prosecutor also accused the defendants of being part of a “secret network” that sought to disrupt Cambodia’s economy, encouraging the military to disobey the government, and use the COVID-19 pandemic to undermine the government’s credibility. According to the Human Rights Watch, all of these accusations are without basis.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said: “The mass trial and convictions of political opponents on baseless charges is a witch hunt that discredits both the Cambodian government and the country’s courts. Foreign governments, the United Nations, and donors should call out this attack on the political opposition and Cambodia’s remaining vestiges of democracy.”

In 2020, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court commenced a mass trial against 139 activists and supporters of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) charged with conspiracy to commit treason and incitement to commit felony over their involvement in non-violent political activities.