Cambodia: Appeal Court reject bail requests of five environmental rights defenders
"Appeal Court Rejects Mother Nature Activists’ Appeal for Release on Bail", 17 February 2025
The Court of Appeal denied bail to five environmental activists who were convicted of plotting to overthrow the government. The five appealed to the higher court to release them on bail to look after their family, including their elderly parents, and to continue their studies, as well as attend to personal health issues, but it was rejected.
“[…] decided not to release [them] on bail as it is a serious felony, and for insulting the King, to prevent new offenses, threats on witnesses and to maintain public order,” presiding judge Ith Sothea said …
“The reason I ask for bail is because my father has atherosclerosis and my mother has cancer. My wife also gave birth; our baby is seven-months-old now,” defendant Yim Leanghy told the court…
Another defendant, Thon Ratha, expressed similar family concerns, particularly with regards to his wife who is due to give birth next month.
“I will not run away and promise to show up in court every time,” he said.
… Prosecutor Tiv Kimkalyan remarked that keeping the defendants in custody is “necessary” because theirs is a felony case as well as to prevent any “new offenses”, including maintaining public order.
The defense lawyers requested the Court of Appeal judges to consider granting bail, and relieve their financial burden to enable them to seek a livelihood.
… Am Sam Ath, operations director of rights-based NGO Licadho, expressed disappointment with the Appeal Court’s decision to deny bail to the environmental activists.
“I note the reasons raised by [the defendants]. They would be sufficient grounds [for the court] to consider for release on bail,” he said…