The wife of imprisoned Beehive radio director Mom Sonando has pleaded for his release from prison so he can receive desperately needed treatment for a range of medical conditions.

Din Phannara said yesterday her husband, 71, who has spent six months languishing in Prey Sar prison, had serious dental problems and was experiencing stomach aches, eye problems and general conditions associated with his age.

“He is old. I call for him to be released so he can have his teeth treated,” she said.

Phannara said she supported a Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) campaign drawing attention to the fact that Sonando, who was arrested on July 15 last year and jailed for 20 years for supposedly masterminding a “secessionist” plot in Kratie province, had been in jail for six months.

“He won’t be forgotten, because this campaign is reminding people that Sonando is being imprisoned,” she said.

CCHR will hang a justice calendar in front of its office and count the days the radio director remains in Prey Sar, as well as encourage other civil groups to support the campaign to have him freed.

Rights groups have called the charges against Sonando trumped-up and criticised authorities for convicting him without evidence.

The Appeal Court rejected Sonando’s bail request last month.

To contact the reporter on this story: May Titthara at [email protected]