Phnom Penh court prosecutors continued to question defendants in a fifth mass trial related to former CNRP vice president Mu Sochua’s attempt to return in 2021.
The court is trying 37 senior CNRP leaders and activists in the fifth mass trial investigated by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, alleging that support for Sochua’s planned return fell under the charges of plotting and incitement. The four prior mass trials were linked to opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s attempted return to Cambodia in 2019 and verdicts have been delivered in three of the cases.
The court proceeded with the questioning of defendants in the trial and cross-examined former commune chief Khan Bunpheng, CNRP youth member Kong Mas and party activist Voeung Samnang.
Deputy prosecutor Seng Heang questioned Samnang about a Facebook post from a CNRP activist in South Korea named Sot Silat that called on party supporters to return to Cambodia to welcome Sochua in 2021. Samnang was also asked about another post by another party supporter, Leng Sotheary, who had made a similar appeal.
Samnang said he did not know the two people named by the prosecutor and had not read their posts. He also told the judge that he was not aware of Sochua’s announcement about returning to Cambodia.
“The information about Mu Sochua’s return was broadly disseminated. Why didn’t you know that?” asked judge Yi Sokvuoch.
Voeung Samang said, “I did not know.”
“Why did you not know? When you just open your Facebook, you will see it,” replied the same judge.
“I did not know,” repeated Samnang.
Bunpheng had similarly said he did not know that Sochua had wanted to come back to Cambodia and had nothing to do with the opposition party after it was dissolved in 2017.
The trial is scheduled to resume on October 20.
Defendants:
 Sam Rainsy Former/acting president |  Mu Sochua Vice president |  Eng Chhai Eang Vice president |  Tioulong Saumura Former lawmaker |  Ho Vann Former lawmaker |
 Ou Chanrith Former lawmaker |  Men Sothavarin Former lawmaker |  Long Ry Former lawmaker |  Mao Vibol Svay Rieng president |  Sot Silat CNRP supporter in South Korea |
 Khin Samorn CNRP supporter in Canada |  Chhun Vean Former CNRP councilor in Siem Reap |  Chham Sophorn CNRP activist from Poipet |  Khin Chamroeun Former CNRP youth leader for Phnom Penh |  Khlaing Bun Lay Former CNRP councilor Banteay Meanchey |
 Nuth Rumduol Former lawmaker |  Tor Nimol CNRP activist |  Hay Vanna CNRP activist in Japan |  Phorn Phana CNRP supporter in South Korea |  Vann Narith Former lawmaker |
 Sor Chandeth Former SRP senator |  Seng Meng Bunrong CNRP youth activist |  Matt Vanny CNRP supporter in South Korea |  Sum Seyha Youth activist in Kampong Cham |  Chhun Sithy Former CNRP councilor in Pailin |
 Prak Sarom CNRP Supporter in New Zealand |  Ngim Nheng Former lawmaker |  Voeung Samnang Former activist |  Long Botta Former lawmaker |  Leng Sotheary CNRP supporter in Canada |
 Khan Bunpheng Former commune chief in Battambang |  Heng Danaro Former lawmaker |  Kong Mas CNRP youth activist |  Ath Vichet CNRP activist in Canada |  Buth Sokunthea Thierry CNRP supporter in France |
| Heng Sokleng | Oun Pov |
Correction: This article earlier misstated the total number of defendants.
