Cambodian-American human rights lawyer, democracy advocate, and author Theary Seng has been summoned to appear in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Thursday November 26 at 8:30 am for charges of "incitement to create social disorder" and "conspiracy to commit treason" in 2019.  She has been summoned along with roughly 60 others, mainly officials and members of the banned opposition party Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), including party leader Sam Rainsy and his Vice President Mu Sochua.  If convicted, she could receive up to 12 years in Cambodia's notorious prisons.  

It is clear that these charges are a politically motivated response to Theary's outspoken criticism of Prime Minister Hun Sen and her advocacy on behalf of the members of CNRP, to which she has no official affiliation.

Contrary to what the charges suggest, Theary's career has been entirely non-violent, and in fact, focused on educating other Cambodians across the country on how to engage in politics and enact change through non-violent means.  Despite her cooperation with Cambodian authorities, they have failed to release any information to her about her alleged charges, undermining her ability to prepare for trial.

This trial appears to be the culmination of Hun Sen's increasing authoritarianism and crackdown on human rights, with the clear intention of silencing the few remaining voices of dissent.  That must not be allowed to happen.  For that reason, we are asking you to please join us in calling on the Cambodian government to uphold its human rights obligations by taking the following actions:

1) Drop the charges against Theary Seng;

2) Drop all politically motivated charges against the other defendants; and

3) Release all current political prisoners.

The Hun Sen regime must know that the world is watching this trial closely.  Thank you for your support in sending that message.

You can access the urgent appeal that has been submitted to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression for a more detailed explanation of Theary's case here.  If you would like to donate to Theary's legal fund, you can do so here.