Phav Nheung and Seng Lin pictured outside of Koh Kong provincial prison shortly after their release on 6 October 2023.

Two Koh Kong land activists, Phav Nheung and Seng Lin, were released from Koh Kong provincial prison today, after the Preah Sihanouk Appeal Court yesterday ordered the release of the detained women from pre-trial detention.

The Koh Kong Provincial Court in August sentenced both women to one year’s imprisonment and to pay 40 million riel (approximately US$10,000) after finding them guilty of defamation and incitement under Articles 494, 495, and 305 of the Criminal Code. Both were the target of a complaint launched by former community representative Chhay Vy, whom the women had accused in 2019 of seizing land.

Both Nheung and Lin had been in pre-trial detention since 30 June 2023, following their arrest on 29 June. Nheung’s almost two-year-old son had been living in prison with his mother since.

Around 100 people from the 175 Land Community, 197 Land Community, and 955 Land Community in Koh Kong gathered in front of the Preah Sihanouk Appeal Court yesterday in support of the jailed representatives. Supporters included Det Huor, Yi Kunthea, and Tin Tang, three other land activists also released on bail on 29 August. Community representatives and family members gave public speeches and comments calling for the release of both women. At least three plainclothes authorities monitored and photographed the community’s gathering.