The U.S. State Department voiced concerns Friday following a Cambodian appeals court’s confirmation of a 27-year prison term for former opposition leader Kem Sokha on treason charges.
The Thursday court ruling represents another setback for Cambodia’s opposition movement, which has faced sustained pressure from the governing party over many years.
Kem Sokha, age 72, helped establish the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which no longer exists. He has remained under house arrest since receiving his guilty verdict in March 2023.
The charges against him centered on allegations that he worked with foreign entities to overthrow Hun Sen, who served as premier at the time.
American officials have previously characterized his conviction as rooted in “fabricated conspiracy theories.”
His legal battle stands as one of the highest-profile cases in an extensive campaign targeting critics of the CPP, Cambodia’s ruling party for multiple decades.
“The United States is troubled by the decision to uphold activist and opposition leader Kem Sokha’s conviction of treason,” the State Department declared in Friday’s statement.
“Claims of U.S. involvement are patently false and irresponsible,” the department added.
Human rights advocates and Western nations have criticized Cambodia’s widespread prosecutions affecting over 100 opposition members, with numerous individuals sentenced while absent from the country on treason and incitement allegations.
“Limiting the exercise of freedom of expression and association hinders Cambodia’s international standing,” the State Department noted.
Meanwhile, Washington has also drawn criticism from human rights specialists and advocacy groups regarding what they view as violations of due process and free speech rights during President Donald Trump’s actions against universities, immigration policies, and political rivals.
Critics have also characterized his international policy strategy as imperialistic and harmful.
