Cambodian opposition leader sentenced to 27 years in jail

The United States immediately blasted the verdict as a "miscarriage of justice" and said it disqualified Kem Sokha, the leader of the opposition in Cambodia, from running in this year's elections. Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years in prison for treason on Friday.

At his detention in 2017, Kem Sokha was charged with creating a "secret plan" in cooperation with foreign actors to overthrow the long-running government of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Hun Sen's longtime rival, the 69-year-old co-founder of the now-disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), is accused by detractors of stifling opposition and rolling down democratic liberties.

Kem Sokha has always refuted the accusations leveled against him, which rights groups claim were intended to prevent him from entering politics before the elections in July.

He was immediately put under house detention and forbidden from seeing any foreigners or anyone who is not a family member without the consent of the court following the judgment at the Phnom Penh court.

His daughter Kem Monovithya stated that cops were now watching him at home.

W. Patrick Murphy, the US ambassador, denounced the trial and punishment as a "miscarriage of justice" while present at the court.

“The United States is deeply troubled by the conviction of respected political leader Kem Sokha,” he told reporters.

In August of last year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kem Sokha in Phnom Penh. While there, he also spoke with Hun Sen about the kingdom's failing democracy.

The verdict, according to Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch, demonstrates that "authoritarians have won" in Cambodia.

“This is Cambodian democracy hitting rock bottom,” he told AFP.

According to an AFP reporter, Kem Sokha smiled and waved to the diplomats present at the court as he was being led away.

“I cannot accept this ruling,” supporter Chea Samuon told AFP outside the court, where there was a tight security presence.

“It is very unjust for him and the people. He is not guilty, this is political pressure.”

Kem Sokha has one month to file an appeal against his arrest and conviction.

The court also revoked his voting privileges and prohibited him from running for public office.

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