Senator faces 17 years in jail as he goes on trial over Facebook comments

A senator is facing up to 17 years in prison in Cambodia after being out on trial over comments he posted on Facebook. Hong Sok Hour, from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was refused bail when he appeared in court in an orange prison uniform on Friday. He told the court he had high blood pressure and other medical conditions that required medication he was not getting in prison. But judge Ros Piseth denied the request without giving a reason and opened the trial.

I will not run away if you release me on bail

Hong Sok Hour

Hong Sok Hour was arrested in August after autocratic prime minister Hun Sen accused him of treason for online comments that criticized a 36-year-old border agreement with Vietnam. He was indicted on three charges including falsifying public documents, using fake documents and inciting chaos. The charges carry penalties of up to ten years in prison, up to five years and up to two years, respectively. Human rights groups say the trial is politically motivated.

The prosecution of Hong Sok Hour contravenes Cambodia’s obligations on the rights to freedom of expression and opinion.

Human Rights Watch

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