Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 6 – Head of the Appeal Judge Leang Khun Meng denied Monday Cambodia’s opposition figure Kem Sokha’s appeal against treason trial.

The decision was made following an appeal on 4 December 2019 filed by lawyers of leader of the court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party Kem Sokha against the Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s decision to send Sokha’s treason case to trial.

It is worth recalling that Phnom Penh Municipal Court, on 2 December 2019, issued a statement saying there is “sufficient evidence” to charge and send Kem Sokha to trial after the court closed investigation on 15 November 2019.

Kem Sokha has been accused of conspiring with foreigners to topple the legitimate Royal Government of Cambodia.

Sokha was arrested in his house in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district at midnight of 3 September 2017 for an act of treason as stipulated and punishable under the Cambodian criminal code, Chapter 2 (Infringements on Security of the State), Part 1 (Treason and Espionage), and Article 443 (Conspiracy with Foreign Power).

Following pre-trial detention, Sokha was released on bail and put under judicial control by not allow leaving border of street 313, street 311, and street 608; nor engage in any political activities.

In the press release dated 10 November 2019, Phnom Penh Municipal Court said it decided to reduce bail conditions for Sokha; yet continue to put him under judicial control with the following obligations: (a) must not leave the border of the Kingdom of Cambodia; (b) must not engage in political activities; (c) must respond to the summons of authority.

The reduction of Sokha's bail conditions came after a request by his lawyers considering his health condition, good cooperation, and fully adhering to bail conditions.
=FRESH NEWS