CAMBODIA: A Cambodian opposition politician was sentenced to seven years in prison yesterday for allegedly plotting against prime minister Hun Sen, after a half-day military court trial described by human rights groups as "a complete sham".
Cheam Channy (44), a parliamentarian from the opposition Sam Rainsy party (SRP), was convicted of forming an "illegal armed group" after a five-hour trial in which defence witnesses were barred from testifying and prosecution witnesses were cross-examined.
Another opposition activist, Kong Piseth, who fled Cambodia and was granted political asylum in Norway, was sentenced in absentia to five years' imprisonment.
In a statement following the verdict, Human Rights Watch called the case - which stemmed from the SRP's formation of an unofficial shadow cabinet to monitor government performance - a blatant effort to "silence the opposition".
Naly Pilorge, director of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights, called the trial, which was monitored by Western diplomats, a warning from the military to all opposition parliamentarians.
"There is a message: 'Be careful, we can do this'," Ms Pilorge said. "In front of representatives of seven embassies, in front of the world, 'we can do this.' Imagine how strong the message is."
The Sam Rainsy party, popular among urban voters and young people frustrated with Cambodia's pervasive corruption, is already demoralised by the exile of its charismatic leader, Sam Rainsy.
Mr Rainsy fled after deputies voted in February to revoke his parliamentary immunity, opening the way for him to be arrested and prosecuted for criminal defamation.
Mr Channy lost his immunity in the same vote and was arrested that night.
Local rights groups fear yesterday's conviction presages an even wider crackdown on the opposition, as authorities loyal to Mr Hun Sen, Cambodia's longtime strongman, may try to implicate other party members in the alleged plot.
Encouraged by US non-governmental organisations trying to strengthen the workings of democratic checks and balances in Cambodia, SRP deputies had established committees to monitor the government's performance on matters including education, agriculture and public works.
Mr Channy was chair of Committee No 14 which focused on defence, veterans' affairs, national security and demobilisation issues.
In July last year Mr Hun Sen accused committee members of establishing a militant armed force, which Mr Channy vigorously denied.
The US embassy in Phnom Penh yesterday condemned the conviction.
A statement said that the trial's conduct "again raises questions about the competence and independence of Cambodia's judiciary and constitutes further intimidation of opposition voices". - (Financial Times service)