(Phnom Penh): Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni granted a partial royal pardon to former opposition leader Kem Sokha, lifting the additional penalty that barred him from leaving Cambodia for five years, according to a Royal Decree seen by Fresh News on Friday (Jul. 24).

Under Article 2 of the Royal Decree, the pardon applies only to the overseas travel ban and does not affect any other additional penalties imposed by the court.

As a result, Kem Sokha is now free to travel abroad.

Previously, on 25 May 2026, the king granted Kem Sokha a royal pardon waiving his 27-year prison sentence. However, that decree did not remove the additional penalties prohibiting him from traveling overseas and engaging in political activities.

The latest partial royal pardon was issued following a request by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

With the removal of the travel ban, the only remaining additional penalty imposed on Kem Sokha is the prohibition on engaging in political activities.
=FRESH NEWS