Cambodia: Opposition senator sentenced to jail
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced former senator of Sam Rainsy’s opposition party Thak Lany to 18 months in jail.
She was also fined 8 million KHR (US$1,800) and must compensate Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen.
Hun Sen filed a lawsuit against Thak Lany and Sam Rainsy, leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) on August 1 after she accused him and his Government of being behind the death of political analyst Kem Ley on July 10.
On August 31, 46 senators of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) voted to take away Thak Lany’s exemption right, while all the 11 senators of the opposition CNRP boycotted the vote.
Later, the Cambodian Prosecution accused Thak Lany of defamation and incitement to social disorder.
Sam Rainsy has been living exile since November 2015 while Thak Lany’s whereabouts are unclear. She is believed to have fled the country.