bar association
CNRP leaders Sam Rainsy and Ho Vann (third and second from the right) raise nine fingers along with other CNRP supporters in the U.S. on September 23, 2019 (CNRP activist’s Facebook page)

Updated: CNRP Leaders Lose Right to Stand for Office, Get 20-25 Year Sentences

Updated at 4:42 p.m. — The Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced opposition leaders living abroad to 20 to 25 years in prison and stripped them of their right to stand in elections with only a Bar Association-assigned lawyer’s secretary present for the defense, according to a lawyer and court spokesperson.

Bar Association president Ly Chantola gives a speech upon his election to the post on October 16, 2020, in this screenshot of a video posted to the association’s Facebook page.

Lawyer for Hun Many, Thy Sovantha Elected Bar Association President

The Bar Association has elected as its new president a government lawyer who is working the treason case against opposition leader Kem Sokha, advises the cabinet, and has represented the prime minister’s son Hun Many as well as political activist Thy Sovantha.