UN experts: Cambodian opposition leaders' jail terms 'appalling'

Cambodia's most prominent opposition politician Sam Rainsy clenches his fist as he is attempting to return to Cambodia at Charles de Gaulle airport, north of Paris. Phnom Penh Municipal Court has convicted and sentenced the exiled leader and senior members of the country's banned opposition party to more than 20 years in prison, effectively barring them from ever returning home. The decision taken by the court late Monday, March 1, 2021 was condemned by the head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party , or CNRP, human rights organisations and the United States embassy. The trial was held in absentia as all the party leaders are living abroad. - AP

PHNOM PENH, March 8 (dpa): Heavy jail terms handed to Cambodian opposition leaders are "clear breaches” of international law, United Nations human rights experts has said recently.

In a statement, four UN special rapporteurs slammed the sentencing of nine members of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party who are in exile abroad.