PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A Cambodian labor union leader has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in connection with comments he made in a live broadcast on Facebook two years ago that criticized the arrest of a casino worker, an official of a local rights group said Wednesday.
The Cambodian Labor Confederation said the case was aimed at intimidating labor unions.
Morm Rithy, 35, a vice president of the confederation, was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday on charges of incitement to commit a felony and discrediting a judicial decision, said Am Sam Ath, operations director of Licadho, one of the few local groups actively monitoring Cambodia’s rights situation.
The Cambodian government has long been accused of using the judicial system to persecute critics and political opponents. The government insists it promotes the rule of law under an electoral democracy, but political parties seen as mounting strong challenges to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party have been dissolved by the courts or had their leaders jailed or harassed.
Federation Helps Women Better Understand Laws
76ers play their season finale without All
London Book Fair director calls for more cultural exchange
House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week
Establishing Guidance System for Family Education
Feature: Happy Chinese New Year Beach Carnival shines at New Zealand beach
Light decorations seen before Chinese Lunar New Year in Macao
Terracotta Warriors act as ambassadors of culture to Spain
Women's Social Organizations Provide Caring Services to Children
People visit lantern show ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year in Malaysia