(Phnom Penh): Following the issuance of a Royal Decree granting a pardon to Kem Sokha, Chea Thyrith, Spokesperson for Samdech Techo Hun Sen, said the move reflected Prime Minister Hun Manet’s political virtue, humanitarian leadership, and commitment to national reconciliation.

“The pardon granted to Kem Sokha is a development we warmly welcome,” Chea Thyrith stated. “It demonstrates the profound political virtue of the Royal Government, particularly Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who respectfully requested the king to grant the royal pardon to Kem Sokha.”

He added that the decision came at a time when Kem Sokha was facing personal hardship, as his elderly mother is critically ill and nearing the end of her life.

“Legal matters are one aspect,” he said. “However, compassion and political virtue in circumstances where a son remains under conviction while his mother is gravely ill are values that Samdech Thipadei did not wish to overlook. For this reason, Samdech Thipadei requested the pardon.”

The spokesperson also emphasized that the royal pardon reflects efforts to strengthen national unity and reconciliation, guided by the moral principles and statesmanship of Cambodia’s leadership, particularly its younger generation of leaders. He noted that many Cambodian citizens have expressed support for and appreciation of the decision.

On 25 May 2026, Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen issued the Royal Decree granting a pardon to Kem Sokha, who had previously been sentenced to 27 years in prison. The pardon applies only to the prison sentence imposed as the principal penalty.

Kem Sokha was convicted of “conspiracy with a foreign power” under Article 443 of the Cambodian Criminal Code following his arrest on 3 September 2017. Prior to receiving the pardon, the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s verdict on 30 April 2026 and additionally imposed a five-year ban on foreign travel.

Under the Royal Decree, Kem Sokha is now free to travel and conduct activities within Cambodia. However, he remains barred from engaging in political activities or traveling abroad.
=FRESH NEWS