Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Sokha’s trial sees new evidence submission

Sokha’s trial sees new evidence submission

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Former opposition leader Kem Sokha (centre) leaving Phnom Penh Municipal Court after a hearing in January. Hong Menea

Sokha’s trial sees new evidence submission

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecution has introduced additional evidence against former opposition leader Kem Sokha, putting more pressure on him in his ongoing treason trial over alleged conspiracy with a foreign power to overthrow the government.

The defence team of Sokha, former president of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), are unhappy about the new evidence.

Court spokesman Plang Sophal told The Post that Sokha’s hearing dealt with more evidence presented by the prosecutor in connection with remarks by former senior CNRP lawmaker Ho Vann about demonstrations allegedly led by Sokha in the capital’s Stung Meanchey district and at other places.

“I think the lawyers were dissatisfied because the evidence clearly showed their client’s relationship to the demonstrations,” he said.

Co-defence lawyer Chan Chen told The Post after the 52nd hearing on August 17 that no progress had been made as the prosecution had introduced more evidence.

Chen said the prosecution had confirmed that additional evidence would be provided whenever it became available. He did not consider the newly admitted evidence relevant to the case.

“Our team – as well as our client – understand that the submission of this evidence is designed to delay the trial. It has been almost five years and we do not know when it will end,” he said.

He added that for all of his legal studies and knowledge of historical cases, he had never heard of the prosecution adding new evidence in such a trial. This was the first time he had heard of this, and it was being done in the 52nd hearing, he noted.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 24.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.