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)
46 prisoners of interest displayed
Morm Rithy, 42
Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation President
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 2 days
(since May 8, 2024)
San Soeun, 69
Nation Power Party provincial chief
Detained for 31 days
(since Apr. 9, 2024)
Sry Mean, 74
Candlelight district council candidate
Detained for 31 days
(since Apr. 9, 2024)
Yin Phean, 73
Candlelight district council candidate
Detained for 31 days
(since Apr. 9, 2024)
Dang Bunhak, 52
Candlelight provincial council candidate
Detained for 35 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Kem Hong, 61
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 35 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Kem Thaymony, 56
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 35 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Koet Saray, 31
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association president
Detained for 35 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Oum Vireakroath, 47
Nation Power Party Senate candidate
Sentenced to
7 years in prison
Detained for 41 days
(since Mar. 30, 2024)
Mer Seng Hor, 59
Nation Power Party provincial deputy leader
Detained for 56 days
(since Mar. 15, 2024)
Eak Ben, 35
Candlelight party provincial acting chief
Sentenced to
7 years in prison
Detained for 58 days
(since Mar. 13, 2024)
Sar Sokha, 63
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 97 days
(since Feb. 3, 2024)
Ma Chinda, 54
Candlelight youth movement district leader
Detained for 100 days
(since Jan. 31, 2024)
Chhay Chinda, 64
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 116 days
(since Jan. 15, 2024)
Khem Chanvannak, 46
Candlelight capital party leader (acting)
Detained for 116 days
(since Jan. 15, 2024)
Neang Hor, 79
Political activist
Detained for 185 days
(since Nov. 7, 2023)
Nil Pheng, 48
Political activist
Detained for 185 days
(since Nov. 7, 2023)
Nheav Syim, 45
Candlelight women movement member
Detained for 189 days
(since Nov. 3, 2023)
Chao Veasna, 58
Former Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 292 days
(since Jul. 23, 2023)
Eng Sroy, 49
Candlelight capital party leader
Detained for 298 days
(since Jul. 17, 2023)
Khoeun Virath, 33
Candlelight commune councillor
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 413 days
(since Mar. 24, 2023)
Nou Sitheary, 63
Candlelight commune councillor
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 413 days
(since Mar. 24, 2023)
Touch Theung, 74
Candlelight provincial party leader
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 413 days
(since Mar. 24, 2023)
So Sina, 51
Social media user
Detained for 427 days
(since Mar. 10, 2023)
Kem Sokha, 69
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party president
Sentenced to
27 years in prison
Detained under house arrest for 434 days
(since Mar. 3, 2023)
Thach Setha, 70
Candlelight vice-president
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 480 days
(since Jan. 16, 2023)
Bin Nein, 52
Land activist
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 517 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Phlorn Sai, 23
Land activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 517 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Phlorn Sokha, 32
Land activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 517 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Sith Sean, 43
Land activist
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 517 days
(since Dec. 10, 2022)
Chhim Sithar, 34
LRSU union leader
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 531 days
(since Nov. 26, 2022)
Seng Theary, 51
Political activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 696 days
(since Jun. 14, 2022)
Seam Pluk, 52
Cambodia National Heart Party Founder
Sentenced to
2 years 6 months in prison
Detained for 744 days
(since Apr. 27, 2022)
Mech Heang, 33
Political activist
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 903 days
(since Nov. 19, 2021)
Voeung Samnang, 47
Political activist
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 914 days
(since Nov. 8, 2021)
Khan Bun Pheng, 62
Former CNRP commune chief
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1226 days
(since Dec. 31, 2020)
Thouk Theuy, 50
Former CNRP deputy district party leader
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1229 days
(since Dec. 28, 2020)
Heng Chan Sothy, 57
Former deputy CNRP district party leader
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1435 days
(since Jun. 5, 2020)
Kak Komphear, 54
Former CNRP capital councillor
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1440 days
(since May 31, 2020)
Ismael Pin Osman, 44
Former CNRP provincial party member
Sentenced to
15 years in prison
Detained for 2649 days
(since Feb. 7, 2017)
Morm Rithy, 42
Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation President
Detained for 2 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)
San Soeun, 69
Nation Power Party provincial chief
Detained for 31 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 31 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 31 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 35 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 35 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 35 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 35 days, since April 5, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Oum Vireakroath, 47
Nation Power Party Senate candidate
Detained for 41 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 52 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 56 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 58 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 86 days, since February 14, 2024
Faces 3 - 10 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Theft, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 353, 357)
Sar Sokha, 63
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 97 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 100 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 100 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 116 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 116 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 126 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 167 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, 79
Political activist
Detained for 185 days, since November 7, 2023
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Nil Pheng, 48
Political activist
Detained for 185 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 189 days, since November 3, 2023
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Chao Veasna, 58
Former Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 292 days, since July 23, 2023
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Eng Sroy, 49
Candlelight capital party leader
Detained for 298 days, since July 17, 2023
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khoeun Virath, 33
Candlelight commune councillor
Detained for 413 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 413 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, 74
Candlelight provincial party leader
Detained for 413 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 427 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, 69
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party president
Detained under house arrest for 434 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 480 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 490 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 517 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 517 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 517 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 517 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 531 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)
Seng Theary, 51
Political activist
Detained for 696 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 744 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 903 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 914 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 1226 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 1229 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 1435 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 1440 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 2649 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)