Ten Cambodian environmental activists from the group Mother Nature were sentenced to prison terms on charges of insulting the king and plotting against the government.
Critics say the case is politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.
The activists were arrested in 2021 after documenting pollution in the Tonle Sap river near the royal palace.
Three of them, including the group’s co-founder Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, received eight-year sentences and fines for both charges. The remaining seven were sentenced to six years.
Government Accused of Suppressing Criticism
Prosecutors haven’t explained how the activists violated the laws. Mother Nature has a history of criticizing environmentally destructive projects and questioning the government’s management of natural resources. The group uses social media to raise awareness through informative videos.
Environmental groups believe Cambodian leaders profit from exploiting natural resources, a claim the government denies. The government accuses Mother Nature of inciting unrest.
Gonzalez-Davidson, previously banned from Cambodia, condemned the verdict as a ploy by the ruling Hun family. He believes the move will backfire and inspire more people to speak up.
Crackdown on Dissent
Cambodia’s law against insulting the king is recent and seen by critics as a tool to suppress dissent. The government under former prime minister Hun Sen, who recently stepped down for his son Hun Manet to take over, has a history of silencing opposition. Political parties were dismantled, independent media shut down, and activists jailed.
Mother Nature activists continued to criticize the unequal enforcement of laws that favor powerful entities under Hun Manet.
Following the verdict, four activists present at the hearing were arrested, with reports of violence during the apprehension. Arrest warrants were issued for the remaining activists, including Gonzalez-Davidson.
Supporters of Mother Nature marched for freedom and rights before the verdict, highlighting the growing suppression of dissent in Cambodia.
