PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A Cambodian labor union leader has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in connection with comments he made in a live broadcast on Facebook two years ago that criticized the arrest of a casino worker, an official of a local rights group said Wednesday. The Cambodian Labor Confederation said the case was aimed at intimidating labor unions. Morm Rithy, 35, a vice president of the confederation, was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday on charges of incitement to commit a felony and discrediting a judicial decision, said Am Sam Ath, operations director of Licadho, one of the few local groups actively monitoring Cambodia’s rights situation. The Cambodian government has long been accused of using the judicial system to persecute critics and political opponents. The government insists it promotes the rule of law under an electoral democracy, but political parties seen as mounting strong challenges to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party have been dissolved by the courts or had their leaders jailed or harassed. |
Gardener asks social media: 'What is this weed and how do I get rid of it?'Kenya’s military chief dies in a helicopter crashOlivia Dunne congratulates LSU teammate on winning top award ahead of semifinals meetChina bans Uyghurs from using social media apps — Radio Free AsiaPossible TikTok ban revived as part of House foreign aid packageArkansas Supreme Court says new DNA testing can be sought in 'West Memphis 3' caseA Nigerian schoolgirl abducted by extremists 10 years ago is rescued pregnant and with 3 kidsArmenian victims group ask International Criminal Court to investigate genocide claimOlivia Dunne congratulates LSU teammate on winning top award ahead of semifinals meetIndianapolis man charged with murder in fatal shootings of 3 at apartment complex