December 10, 2019
Kem Sokha greets reporters outside his home on November 11, 2019; CNRP activists are escorted outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on November 14, 2019. (Panha Chhorpoan/VOD)

Gov’t to Note Release of Kem Sokha, Opposition Activists in EBA Reply

The E.U. is asking too much — it’s pushing the government to break the country’s laws — so Cambodia will merely update the bloc about the easing of restrictions for on trial opposition leader Kem Sokha and other concessions, the governmental Human Rights Committee said this week.

US Ambassador Patrick Murphy and CNRP president Kem Sokha outside Sokha’s Phnom Penh home on November 11, 2019. (Sanh Bun Hoeun/VOD)

Kem Sokha’s Trial Date Set Amid EU, US Pressure

Kem Sokha, leader of the outlawed main opposition party, will stand trial for alleged treason in January — 28 months after his arrest — the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said on Monday, amid heightened pressure on Cambodia from the E.U. and U.S.