Assessment of civil rights, including press freedoms in Cambodia, cites media closures, arrests as it declares country a 'repressive' environment
“From the outset, the authorities repeatedly violated Ms. Seng’s fair trial rights,” the report said, noting that she was named as part of a long list of defendants accused of incitement, without any specific explanation of what she had done.
Report cites growing threats among increasing restrictions on press freedom
"The United States is deeply concerned by the June 14 mass conviction of opposition activists in Cambodia, including Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
"This is not acceptable and I will meet her in prison to discuss appealing," the lawyer Chuong Choungy said outside the court, noting she was among about 60 co-defendants who had been sentenced to between five to eight years in prison.
U.N. rights experts warn the gateway, which will funnel all web traffic through a state-controlled entry point from February 16, will have a "devastating" effect on privacy and free speech.
Lanh Than never wanted his sister to be involved in politics. He advised her against joining the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party years ago, and then urged her to defect to the ruling party when Prime Minister Hun Sen moved to crush the CNRP.
Born in the southeastern province of Prey Veng, Chhim Sithar has worked at NagaWorld since 2007 as a supervisor and became an active union member in 2009.
Theary Seng is facing charges of conspiracy to commit treason and incitement to commit a felony, which together carries a maximum jail sentence of 12 years.
Thousands of workers have been on strike since last month in front of Nagacorp Ltd's hotel and casino complex in Phnom Penh, demanding the reinstatement of 365 employees who were let go in April.
Thailand has sent four UN-registered refugees back to Cambodia in the past month, driving dozens of others into hiding.
In Tuesday's court session in Cambodia, the judge announced that a verdict would be delivered on Feb. 8, if the hearings proceed according to plan, lawyer Sokong added.
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