Cambodia’s appeal court upholds sentence for opposition leader

Acting President Kem Sokha of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The appeal court of Cambodia decided on November 4 to uphold the sentence of the Phnom Penh Court of First Instance for acting President Kem Sokha of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). 

Accordingly, Kem Sokha will face five months in prison and a fine of 800,000 Riel (200 USD) for ignoring court summons under Article 538 of the Penal Code.

Chief Judge Seng Sivutha of the Appeals Court affirmed the information. 

The trial took place without Kem Sokha’s presence. His lawyer denied the sentence and said he will file an appeal to the supreme court. 

On September 9, Phnom Penh Municipal Court began the trial for Kem Sokha for avoiding court summon. However, Kem Sokha and his lawyer did not appear. 

The CNRP leader is hiding at the party’s headquarter to avoid being arrested for refusing to appear in court under the court’s summons to answer questions on his alleged love scandal. 

The Phnom Penh court has issued many summonses but Kem Sokha ignored them all. 

Local authorities said they will not arrest Kem Sokha until the appeal process ends.-VNA