As Kem Sokha’s trial resumed after a two-week recess, the prosecution and government lawyers hinted, and occasionally alleged, that the opposition leader used foreign assistance to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party, but provided no evidence to support the claim.
The treason trial entered its seventh week on Wednesday, after hearings were cancelled last week because the defense walked out of court on February 13 alleging irregularities with evidence. Defense lawyers returned to the trial on Wednesday, saying they hoped the hearing proceeded smoothly.
The court is currently discussing Kem Sokha’s career around the formation of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2012, with prosecutor Vong Bun Visoth repeatedly asking Kem Sokha if any outsiders facilitated negotiations between him and opposition leader Sam Rainsy.
