The family of jailed opposition member and Siem Reap commune chief Heang Sary have appealed to the court to release him on grounds of ill-health, relatives reported on Saturday.

The 55-year-old Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) official and Ampil commune chief was detained last week after the Apsara Authority filed a complaint against him for allegedly signing a document claiming that state-owned land belonged to a villager.

According to investigating judge Chhun Chan Seiha, Sary has been charged with two offences relating to dishonest conduct and conspiracy affecting public property under the penal code and land law respectively.

However, his wife, Soth Non, said that Sary is suffering from high-blood pressure and leg problems and should be released.

“He has not become rich or sought money or benefits from the villagers, but just did it to help them,” she said. His 21-year-old daughter added that the family is appealing to the CNRP to assist in his release.

CNRP spokesman Ke Sovannaroth said that a party representative from the National Assembly had been to Siem Reap on Saturday to consult with Sary, but that she and her family were refused visitation by the prison.

“We are working to help free him through the court. He is not guilty,” Sovannaroth said, explaining that the party was intervening in an effort to free Sary on bail.