Cambodia Ex-Opposition Leader Kem Sokha Pardoned After 27-Year Treason Sentence

Cambodia's former opposition leader, Kem Sokha, has been granted a royal pardon for a 27-year treason sentence. The decree was signed by Hun Sen, the country's acting head of state and former prime minister, on behalf of King Norodom Sihamoni.

Mr Sokha, former leader of the now-dissolved Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), was initially arrested in 2017. His conviction in 2023 for treason stemmed from a video where he referenced support from US pro-democracy groups, allegations which human rights organisations have consistently dismissed as politically driven.

Despite the pardon, Mr Sokha remains barred from political participation and from leaving Cambodia for five years. This restriction follows the rejection of his appeal against the sentence last month.

Human Rights Watch's Asia director, Elaine Pearson, stated that while the pardon partially rectifies a