Several non-governmental organizations have launched a campaign marking the one-year anniversary of the detention of five environmental activists, calling for justice and their immediate release. The activists have been held in pretrial detention for 12 months following their arrest in early July 2024.
Today, Cambodia’s Environmental Movement, the Adhoc Association for the Protection of Human Rights, Licadho, and other human rights groups released a video campaign on social media platform Facebook. The video highlights the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the five activists and calls for international attention and support.
These NGOs emphasize that the campaign is intended to honour the courage and bravery of the activists and the groups who face intimidation or threats due to their environmental protection efforts. They demand the unconditional release of all five activists, who remain detained solely because of their work defending Cambodia’s environment.
The organizations also appeal for the immediate and unconditional freedom of the activists so they can resume their environmental protection work. Civil society groups continue to stand in solidarity with the activists, advocating for their rights and safety.
On July 2, 2024, the five environmental activists—Yim Leanghy, Thon Ratha, Ly Chandaravuth, Long Kunthea, and Phuon Keoreaksmey were arrested following a Phnom Penh Municipal Court verdict. They were charged with “insulting the monarchy” and “conspiracy,” crimes punishable by prison sentences ranging from six to eight years.
Following their arrests, the court ordered their detention in separate provincial prisons. Yim Leanghy was sent to Kampong Speu Provincial Prison; Ly Chandaravuth to Kampong Thom Provincial Prison; Thon Ratha to Tbong Khmum Provincial Prison; Phuon Keoreaksmey to Pursat Provincial Prison; and Long Kunthea to Preah Vihear Provincial Prison.
Article 35 of the Cambodian Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to actively participate in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the nation.
In relation to this case, the European Union recently published its 2024 report on human rights and democracy in Cambodia. The report concluded that the first year of Hun Manet’s leadership has not improved the human rights or democratic situation. Restrictions on freedoms and political rights remain as severe as before.
