Synopsis: Takeo court says sentence is light given his prior convictions.
The Takeo Provincial Court sentenced wheelchair-bound opposition activist Phun Yuth to 18 months in prison after finding him guilty of insulting government leaders over border issues with Thailand and Vietnam on social media.
Presiding judge Hong Sokun Watana said the 41-year-old, who lives in Traing district’s Tralach commune, was convicted of “incitement to commit a felony or cause social unrest” and “committing a misdemeanour after a prior conviction,” under Articles 88, 494, and 495 of the Criminal Code.
“The court sentences Phun Yuth to one year and six months in prison,” the judge said, adding that the defendant has the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal within one month.
Yuth was arrested on October 29, 2025, after posting social media comments that criticised government leaders over border issues, referred to Vietnamese immigrants, and called for a change in leadership.
Court spokesman Ngeth Davuth said the sentence was light, adding that at the accused’s March 30 hearing, Yuth had admitted committing the offence and asked for leniency despite being a repeat offender.
Yuth’s lawyer could not be reached for comment.
However, Yi Soksan of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association said Yuth was exercising his right to express opinions online.
He added that Yuth faces mental health challenges and lives in poverty, relying on others in his village for support.
“He is a wheelchair-bound man who can only use his voice to criticise authorities who do not adequately support people with disabilities,” Soksan said, urging the court to drop the charges and release him.
