Coming in the broader context of a crackdown on independent institutions — from the media to apolitical nonprofits and advocacy groups — the legal saga likely had its desired impact, the ABA report concludes.
She was first arrested in January last year at a protest site near the casino and was charged with incitement, a common tactic authorities use against activists, before being re-arrested in November.
The arrests in Ratanakiri province came as Cambodia prepares for a general election in July
The move in support of Voice of Democracy comes after authorities revoked the independent broadcaster's license
Rights groups warn of a deteriorating labor rights situation as three garment factories fired 20 workers recently after they attempted to form independent unions.
Women suffer domestic violence and are reluctant to divorce because of conservative attitudes and flawed law enforcement, activists say.
The ensuing trial and conviction of Rong Chhun, along with two younger activists, highlighted how Cambodia’s government and judiciary have warped criminal incitement charges to suppress dissent amid a crackdown on the ruling party’s critics and political opponents.
Authorities in Cambodia used COVID-19 pandemic as distraction to crack down on independent unions and activist workers, new report says
Assessment of civil rights, including press freedoms in Cambodia, cites media closures, arrests as it declares country a 'repressive' environment
“From the outset, the authorities repeatedly violated Ms. Seng’s fair trial rights,” the report said, noting that she was named as part of a long list of defendants accused of incitement, without any specific explanation of what she had done.
Report cites growing threats among increasing restrictions on press freedom
"The United States is deeply concerned by the June 14 mass conviction of opposition activists in Cambodia, including Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
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