Defense lawyers called on the court to acquit their clients during closing arguments Thursday, saying there was not enough evidence for the plotting charges against the former CNRP members who allegedly supported the failed return plan of exiled party leader Mu Sochua.
The Supreme Court on Friday upheld convictions against four human rights officials and an election body staffer — who previously worked at the same rights group — in a case related to a love scandal involving opposition leader Kem Sokha.
Defense lawyers demanded the judicial police identify where Facebook comments used as evidence were posted from, in order to show they were really made by defendants in an ongoing opposition mass trial.
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 Supreme Court rejected a motion from Cambodian-American lawyer Seng Chan Theary to release her from prison pending appeals to her June conviction as part of a mass trial against CNRP members.
A former CNRP commune chief rejected evidence brought by the court as part of the latest opposition mass trial, saying the voice on a recorded phone conversation belonged to another person.
Thirteen former CNRP activists had their appeal against a lower court conviction linked to the formation of an opposition movement overseas turned down by the Appeal Court on Tuesday.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court will this week try 37 CNRP leaders, former lawmakers, party activists and supporters for alleged plotting against the state, marking the fifth mass trial the court has initiated against members of the dissolved political opposition.
The Appeal Court has rejected a motion from jailed Cambodian-American activist Seng Chan Theary for her release, with her lawyer pushing for her to be freed while the case was still in appeal.
At least 13 former CNRP activists who were convicted in March for their involvement in the formation of the overseas CNRM opposition movement and for comments about the Covid-19 response appealed their sentences at the Appeal Court on Tuesday.
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