The Phnom Penh Appeal Court will hear an appeal of opposition activist Seng Theary, who has been jailed for incitement and plotting to overthrow the government, on December 13.

Theary was the founding president of Centre for Cambodian Civic Education and Cambodian Centre for Justice & Reconciliation.

Her lawyer Sam Chamroeun said that Theary had been jailed at the CC2 prison in Phnom Penh after she was transferred from Preah Vihear provincial prison at the end of September this year.

“My client has already been informed and aware about her appeal on December 13. But so far, I do not know whether she will attend her appeal or not,” Chamroeun said.

“To prepare for her appeal, I will meet her at the prison today to discuss about her hearing,” he said. “As a professional lawyer, I will do my best to defend her.”

Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Theary on June 24 last year to six years in jail along with more than 60 former leaders and activists of the court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) for plotting and inciting people to overthrow the government between 2018 and 2020.

The leaders who were sentenced by the court in absentia to eight years in prison each include Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua, Eng Chhay Eang, Top Vanchan, Ou Chanrith, Ho Vann, Long Ry, Men Thavarin, Oum Sam An, Monh Sarath, Esa Osman and Kong Sophea.

Nineteen others, including Theary, were sentenced to six years in prison each.

All the culprits were charged with “plotting and incitement to commit a felony or cause social unrest” under Articles 453, 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code.

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