Nineteen activists, artists and human rights defenders have been imprisoned since July for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights to free expression and assembly. This relentless crackdown began with the nighttime arrest of union leader Rong Chhun following public statements he made after visiting farming communities living along the Vietnam border. Over the next month and a half, activists who publicly called for Chhun’s release were arrested and sent to pre-trial detention. They face up to two years in prison if judged guilty.

The crackdown soon extended beyond activists calling for Rong Chhun’s release. Environmental activists, young rappers and a Buddhist monk have all been imprisoned for speaking out about issues affecting their country and communities. Former members of the outlawed political opposition party have also been jailed. Representatives from a number of international bodies have condemned the arrests or publicly called for the release of these imprisoned human rights defenders, who remain locked in Cambodia’s overcrowded prisons. These are the men and women who have lost their freedom while exercising their fundamental rights.

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