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.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

6.6-magnitude earthquake hits off Taiwan, reports USGS
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Dec 27, 2025)
Police in India's capital arrest hundreds in security crackdown before before the New Year festivities
Suspected explosives found on Nilai bomb maker at time of arrest
A 40-year-old woman charged over 15kg methamphetamine seizure at Sydney Airport
The Philippines is ready to shape the future of regular tourism as the Asean chairmanship duty nears
Sunday polls bring hopes to Myanmar, junta says on election eve
Year-end clampdown on crime in Singapore sees over 1,700 people investigated, more than 500 arrested
Thailand's worst incident - The SAO building collapse: causes, accountability and the impact of 2025’s defining tragedy
Indonesian rescuers search for Spanish family after boat sinks near Komodo Island

Others Also Read