The Appeal Court yesterday upheld the convictions of seven members of the Denmark-based Khmer National Liberation Front (KNLF) sentenced last year to between five and eight years in prison for attempting to “overthrow” the government.
The men – who were not brought to the hearing yesterday – were sentenced in April 2014 on charges of establishing an armed terrorist movement and inciting people to topple the government between 2009 and 2012. Their crimes included handing out leaflets for the KNLF, labelled a terrorist group by the government.
Appeal Court Presiding Judge Yeth Polin said there was “strong evidence” the group incited people to hate the government and caused trouble, instability and insecurity in the Kingdom. “The sentences were also appropriate with their activities,” Polin said.
Those sentenced to eight years include Yin Yav, 59, Suon Phal, 56, Khem Ma, 29, Thach Kongphuong, 28, Yoeun Yoeub, 26 and Yang Kimsrun, 28. Suong Sithikun, 56, had his five-year sentence upheld.
Defence lawyer Sam Sokong said the group would appeal to the Supreme Court.
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