Six activists of the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have fled Cambodia this week, fearing political persecution at the hands of the court, which they say is controlled by the Hun Sen-led Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
They are now seeking refugee status in an undisclosed country, and join about 75 others who have fled Cambodia’s since Hun Sen’s attack on the CNRP began in late 2017.
The six were charged with incitement after gathering together to make public statements in December and January in support of acting party chief Sam Rainsy’s plan to return to Cambodia to challenge the CPP’s stranglehold on political power.