The nation’s top court has denied bail to five environmentalists jailed for their activism, a family member said, in a case widely condemned by the UN and human rights campaigners.
The activists from Mother Nature, one of Cambodia’s few environmental advocacy groups, denied charges of plotting against the state, which they said were politically motivated.
The five activists were among 10 environmentalists sentenced to between six and eight years in jail last year.
Path Raksmey, 34, wife of activist Thun Ratha, said that she was disappointed with yesterday’s ruling by the Supreme Court.
“I am very regretful that the court does not allow bail for them.
“They are the ones who protect the environment but they are locked in jail while people who have destroyed natural resources live happily,” said Path Raksmey.
“It is unjust for the five,” she said, adding that her husband remains “strong”.
The five activists have been jailed in different prisons after their sentencing in July, but have launched appeals.
The United Nations Human Rights Office said last year it was “gravely concerned by the conviction and harsh sentencing”.
The tussle over protecting or exploiting Cambodia’s natural resources has long been a contentious issue in the South-East Asian nation, with environmentalists threatened, arrested and even killed in the past decade.
Cambodian journalist Chhoeung Chheung died in December after he was shot while investigating illegal logging in the country’s northwest.
Unchecked illicit logging has contributed to a sharp drop in Cambodia’s forest cover over the years, according to activists. — AFP
