The Cambodian government and law enforcement agencies continue to detain, arrest and imprison politicians, environmental defenders, land activists, trade unionists and journalists on unfounded charges that characterizes their activism as crimes.
The Cambodia’s Prisoners of Interest page will track these arrests and court convictions and provide an insight into who these people are, they work they do and for how long they have been unfairly incarcerated.
LICADHO joins other human rights groups and civil society organisations to call for their immediate release and for the government to drop all outstanding charges against them and for them to return to their activism for a better Cambodia. (ភាសាខ្មែរ)
58 prisoners of interest displayed
Long Kunthea, 26
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 14 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Ly Chandaravuth, 24
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 14 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Phuon Keoraksmey, 23
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 14 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Thun Ratha, 32
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 14 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Yim Leanghy, 35
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
8 years in prison
Detained for 14 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Sun Bunthon, 42
Khmer Will Party district council candidate
Detained for 37 days
(since Jun. 9, 2024)
Prak Chhon, 55
Commune Candlelight party chief
Detained for 60 days
(since May 17, 2024)
Morm Rithy, 42
Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation President
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 69 days
(since May 8, 2024)
San Soeun, 69
Nation Power Party provincial chief
Detained for 98 days
(since Apr. 9, 2024)
Sry Mean, 74
Candlelight district council candidate
Detained for 98 days
(since Apr. 9, 2024)
Yin Phean, 73
Candlelight district council candidate
Detained for 98 days
(since Apr. 9, 2024)
Dang Bunhak, 52
Candlelight provincial council candidate
Detained for 102 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Kem Hong, 61
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 102 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Kem Thaymony, 56
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 102 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Koet Saray, 31
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association president
Detained for 102 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Oum Vireakroath, 47
Nation Power Party Senate candidate
Sentenced to
7 years in prison
Detained for 108 days
(since Mar. 30, 2024)
Mer Seng Hor, 59
Nation Power Party provincial deputy leader
Detained for 123 days
(since Mar. 15, 2024)
Eak Ben, 35
Candlelight party provincial acting chief
Sentenced to
7 years in prison
Detained for 125 days
(since Mar. 13, 2024)
Sar Sokha, 63
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 164 days
(since Feb. 3, 2024)
Ma Chinda, 54
Candlelight youth movement district leader
Detained for 167 days
(since Jan. 31, 2024)
Chhay Chinda, 64
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 183 days
(since Jan. 15, 2024)
Khem Chanvannak, 46
Candlelight capital party leader (acting)
Detained for 183 days
(since Jan. 15, 2024)
Neang Hor, 80
Political activist
Detained for 252 days
(since Nov. 7, 2023)
Nil Pheng, 54
Political activist
Detained for 252 days
(since Nov. 7, 2023)
Nheav Syim, 45
Candlelight women movement member
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 256 days
(since Nov. 3, 2023)
Chao Veasna, 58
Candlelight district party leader
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 359 days
(since Jul. 23, 2023)
Eng Sroy, 49
Candlelight provincial party leader
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 365 days
(since Jul. 17, 2023)
Khoeun Virath, 33
Candlelight commune councillor
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 480 days
(since Mar. 24, 2023)
Nou Sitheary, 63
Candlelight commune councillor
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 480 days
(since Mar. 24, 2023)
Touch Theung, 75
Candlelight provincial party leader
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 480 days
(since Mar. 24, 2023)
So Sina, 51
Social media user
Detained for 494 days
(since Mar. 10, 2023)
Kem Sokha, 70
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party president
Sentenced to
27 years in prison
Detained for 501 days
(since Mar. 3, 2023)
Thach Setha, 70
Candlelight vice-president
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 547 days
(since Jan. 16, 2023)
Bin Nein, 52
Land activist
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 584 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Phlorn Sai, 23
Land activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 584 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Phlorn Sokha, 32
Land activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 584 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Sith Sean, 43
Land activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 584 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Chhim Sithar, 34
LRSU union leader
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 598 days
(since Nov. 26, 2022)
Cheth Cheath, 34
Land Activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 711 days
(since Aug. 5, 2022)
Seng Theary, 51
Political activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 763 days
(since Jun. 14, 2022)
Seam Pluk, 52
Cambodia National Heart Party Founder
Sentenced to
2 years 6 months in prison
Detained for 811 days
(since Apr. 27, 2022)
Mech Heang, 33
Political activist
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 970 days
(since Nov. 19, 2021)
Voeung Samnang, 47
Political activist
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 981 days
(since Nov. 8, 2021)
Khan Bun Pheng, 62
Former CNRP commune chief
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1293 days
(since Dec. 31, 2020)
Thouk Theuy, 50
Former CNRP deputy district party leader
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1296 days
(since Dec. 28, 2020)
Heng Chan Sothy, 57
Former deputy CNRP district party leader
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1502 days
(since Jun. 5, 2020)
Kak Komphear, 54
Former CNRP capital councillor
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1507 days
(since May 31, 2020)
Ismael Pin Osman, 44
Former CNRP provincial party member
Sentenced to
15 years in prison
Detained for 2716 days
(since Feb. 7, 2017)
Long Kunthea, 26
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 14 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Ly Chandaravuth, 24
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 14 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Phuon Keoraksmey, 23
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 14 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Thun Ratha, 32
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 14 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Yim Leanghy, 35
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 14 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 8 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
Sun Bunthon, 42
Khmer Will Party district council candidate
Detained for 37 days, since June 9, 2024
Faces 6 months - 3 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Breach of trust (Criminal Code Article 391, 392)
Soeu Sochea, 31
Journalist
Detained for 53 days, since May 24, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Defamation (Criminal Code Article 305)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Prak Chhon, 55
Commune Candlelight party chief
Detained for 60 days, since May 17, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Chheng Sarin, 48
Candlelight commune councilor
Detained for 61 days, since May 16, 2024
Faces 2 - 5 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Intentionally causing damage, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Articles 410, 411)
Sun Chanthy, 44
Nation Power Party president
Detained for 68 days, since May 9, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Morm Rithy, 42
Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation President
Detained for 69 days, since May 8, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khong Tharet, 59
Candlelight commune councilor
Detained for 79 days, since April 28, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
San Soeun, 69
Nation Power Party provincial chief
Detained for 98 days, since April 9, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Sry Mean, 74
Candlelight district council candidate
Detained for 98 days, since April 9, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Yin Phean, 73
Candlelight district council candidate
Detained for 98 days, since April 9, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Dang Bunhak, 52
Candlelight provincial council candidate
Detained for 102 days, since April 5, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
Kem Hong, 61
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 102 days, since April 5, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Fraudulent request for document (Criminal Code Article 632)
Kem Thaymony, 56
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 102 days, since April 5, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
Koet Saray, 31
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association president
Detained for 102 days, since April 5, 2024
Faces 12 months - 4 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Committing a misdemeanor after sentencing for a misdemeanor (Criminal Code Article 88)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Oum Vireakroath, 47
Nation Power Party Senate candidate
Detained for 108 days, since March 30, 2024
Sentenced to 7 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Phon Yuth, 37
Political activist
Detained for 119 days, since March 19, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Mer Seng Hor, 59
Nation Power Party provincial deputy leader
Detained for 123 days, since March 15, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
- Insult (Criminal Code Article 502)
Eak Ben, 35
Candlelight party provincial acting chief
Detained for 125 days, since March 13, 2024
Sentenced to 7 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Chea Chan, 40
CATU union leader
Detained for 153 days, since February 14, 2024
Faces 6 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Theft (Criminal Code Article 353, 356)
Sar Sokha, 63
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 164 days, since February 3, 2024
Faces 2 - 5 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Intentional acts of violence, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 217, 218)
Hak Kosal, 42
Khmer Will Party activist
Detained for 167 days, since January 31, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Ma Chinda, 54
Candlelight youth movement district leader
Detained for 167 days, since January 31, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Chhay Chinda, 64
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 183 days, since January 15, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Forgery of public document (Criminal Code Article 629)
Khem Chanvannak, 46
Candlelight capital party leader (acting)
Detained for 183 days, since January 15, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Ny Nak, 44
Social commentator
Detained for 193 days, since January 5, 2024
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Defamation (Criminal Code Article 305)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Kong Saron, 44
Detained for 234 days, since November 25, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Insult against the King (Criminal Code Article 437(bis))
Neang Hor, 80
Political activist
Detained for 252 days, since November 7, 2023
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Nil Pheng, 54
Political activist
Detained for 252 days, since November 7, 2023
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Nheav Syim, 45
Candlelight women movement member
Detained for 256 days, since November 3, 2023
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Chao Veasna, 58
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 359 days, since July 23, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Eng Sroy, 49
Candlelight provincial party leader
Detained for 365 days, since July 17, 2023
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khoeun Virath, 33
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 480 days, since March 24, 2023
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Nou Sitheary, 63
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 480 days, since March 24, 2023
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Touch Theung, 75
Candlelight provincial party leader
Detained for 480 days, since March 24, 2023
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
So Sina, 51
Social media user
Detained for 494 days, since March 10, 2023
Faces 12 months - 3 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Defamation (Criminal Code Article 305)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Kem Sokha, 70
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party president
Detained for 501 days, since March 3, 2023
Sentenced to 27 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Conspiracy with foreign power (Criminal Code Article 443)
Thach Setha, 70
Candlelight vice-president
Detained for 547 days, since January 16, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
- Law on Negotiable Instruments and Payment Transactions Article 231
Ben Bunthin, 48
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 557 days, since January 6, 2023
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Law on Forestry Article 97
Bin Nein, 52
Land activist
Detained for 584 days, since December 10, 2022
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Infringement against private ownership (Land Law Article 253)
- Intentional acts of violence, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 217, 218)
Phlorn Sai, 23
Land activist
Detained for 584 days, since December 10, 2022
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Infringement against private ownership (Land Law Article 253)
- Intentional acts of violence, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 217, 218)
Phlorn Sokha, 32
Land activist
Detained for 584 days, since December 10, 2022
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Infringement against private ownership (Land Law Article 253)
- Intentional acts of violence, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 217, 218)
Sith Sean, 43
Land activist
Detained for 584 days, since December 10, 2022
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Infringement against private ownership (Land Law Article 253)
- Intentional acts of violence, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 217, 218)
Chhim Sithar, 34
LRSU union leader
Detained for 598 days, since November 26, 2022
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Cheth Cheath, 34
Land Activist
Detained for 711 days, since August 5, 2022
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Theft, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 353, 357)
Seng Theary, 51
Political activist
Detained for 763 days, since June 14, 2022
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Seam Pluk, 52
Cambodia National Heart Party Founder
Detained for 811 days, since April 27, 2022
Sentenced to 2 years 6 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Mech Heang, 33
Political activist
Detained for 970 days, since November 19, 2021
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Insult against the King (Criminal Code Article 437(bis))
Voeung Samnang, 47
Political activist
Detained for 981 days, since November 8, 2021
Sentenced to 5 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khan Bun Pheng, 62
Former CNRP commune chief
Detained for 1293 days, since December 31, 2020
Sentenced to 5 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Thouk Theuy, 50
Former CNRP deputy district party leader
Detained for 1296 days, since December 28, 2020
Sentenced to 5 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Heng Chan Sothy, 57
Former deputy CNRP district party leader
Detained for 1502 days, since June 5, 2020
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Kak Komphear, 54
Former CNRP capital councillor
Detained for 1507 days, since May 31, 2020
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Ismael Pin Osman, 44
Former CNRP provincial party member
Detained for 2716 days, since February 7, 2017
Sentenced to 15 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Unlawful removal for cross-border transfer (Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Article 11)