Cambodian youths jailed over environmental activism

Supporters of Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, shout slogans in front of Phnom Penh Municipal Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. Rong Chhun was arrested Friday night on a charge of inciting social unrest because of his comments about a politically sensitive matter concerning the country’s borders and taken to court Saturday to hear the charge against him. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

PHNOM PENH, May 5 (dpa): A Cambodian judge jailed three youth activists on Wednesday, saying their efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues in the country amounted to "incitement."

Phuon Keoreaksmey, Long Kunthea and Thun Ratha were handed sentences of between 18 and 20 months for "incitement to disturb social security," reported local outlet Voice of Democracy.