The Cambodian government and law enforcement agencies continue to detain, arrest and imprison politicians, environmental defenders, land activists, trade unionists, journalists and social media users on unfounded charges that characterises their activism or speech as crimes.
The Cambodia’s Prisoners of Interest page will track these arrests and court convictions and provide an insight into who these people are, they work they do and for how long they have been unfairly incarcerated.
LICADHO joins other human rights groups and civil society organisations to call for their immediate release and for the government to drop all outstanding charges against them and for them to return to their activism for a better Cambodia. (ភាសាខ្មែរ)
69 prisoners of interest displayed
Yang Sok Yeang, 47
National Power party district deputy chief
Detained for 10 days
(since Apr. 22, 2025)
Kan Kun, 55
Candlelight commune councilor
Detained for 47 days
(since Mar. 16, 2025)
Lok Ovide, 34
Detained for 47 days
(since Mar. 16, 2025)
Bou Sokhean, 37
Political activist
Detained for 71 days
(since Feb. 20, 2025)
Pao Thunn, 50
Political activist
Detained for 71 days
(since Feb. 20, 2025)
Chhoeun Dia, 35
Detained for 78 days
(since Feb. 13, 2025)
Sok Chetra, 36
Detained for 87 days
(since Feb. 4, 2025)
Phan Sarath, 49
Nation Power Party municipal deputy leader
Detained for 94 days
(since Jan. 28, 2025)
Phong Pros, 51
Candlelight commune election candidate
Detained for 96 days
(since Jan. 26, 2025)
Hong An, 50
Candlelight party provincial deputy leader
Detained for 158 days
(since Nov. 25, 2024)
Mean Chanthon, 33
Political activist
Detained for 158 days
(since Nov. 25, 2024)
Pen Chan Sangkream, 52
CNRP district council candidate
Detained for 158 days
(since Nov. 25, 2024)
Soeun Kunthea, 52
Political activist
Detained for 158 days
(since Nov. 25, 2024)
Vorn Chanrachna, 24
Political activist
Detained for 158 days
(since Nov. 25, 2024)
Yin Chanthou, 47
Political activist
Detained for 158 days
(since Nov. 25, 2024)
Chhour Sarin, 65
Land activist
Detained for 159 days
(since Nov. 24, 2024)
Mao Samoeurn, 58
Land activist
Detained for 159 days
(since Nov. 24, 2024)
Yon Senglat, 23
Detained for 208 days
(since Oct. 6, 2024)
Chheun Chamrong, 31
Detained for 227 days
(since Sep. 17, 2024)
Hor Sokhon, 41
Detained for 227 days
(since Sep. 17, 2024)
Chin Bunnaroth, 49
National Power Party administration head
Detained for 242 days
(since Sep. 2, 2024)
Va Chumroeun, 42
Sentenced to
12 months in prison
Detained for 255 days
(since Aug. 20, 2024)
So Pheang, 38
Detained for 256 days
(since Aug. 19, 2024)
Hong Sopheak, 24
Detained for 257 days
(since Aug. 18, 2024)
Ream Sreypich Rothana, 24
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association vice-president
Detained for 257 days
(since Aug. 18, 2024)
Sal Phally, 32
Detained for 257 days
(since Aug. 18, 2024)
Thy Thorn, 24
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association vice-president
Detained for 257 days
(since Aug. 18, 2024)
Choy Dorn, 26
Detained for 258 days
(since Aug. 17, 2024)
Seng Piseth, 18
Detained for 258 days
(since Aug. 17, 2024)
Seam Sophal, 55
Political activist
Detained for 259 days
(since Aug. 16, 2024)
Khem Voeun, 54
Khmer Will Party district council candidate
Detained for 268 days
(since Aug. 7, 2024)
Pov Lita, 25
Detained for 276 days
(since Jul. 30, 2024)
Pen Vuthy, 66
Cambodia Reform Party provincial party member
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 287 days
(since Jul. 19, 2024)
Chea Chantha, 41
IDEA local leader
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 290 days
(since Jul. 16, 2024)
Long Kunthea, 27
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 304 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Ly Chandaravuth, 25
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 304 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Phuon Keoraksmey, 24
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 304 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Thun Ratha, 33
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 304 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Yim Leanghy, 35
Mother Nature environmental activist
Sentenced to
8 years in prison
Detained for 304 days
(since Jul. 2, 2024)
Sun Bunthon, 43
Khmer Will Party district council candidate
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 327 days
(since Jun. 9, 2024)
Sun Chanthy, 44
Nation Power Party president
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 358 days
(since May 9, 2024)
Morm Rithy, 42
Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation President
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 359 days
(since May 8, 2024)
Koet Saray, 31
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association president
Sentenced to
4 years in prison
Detained for 392 days
(since Apr. 5, 2024)
Phon Yuth, 37
Political activist
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 409 days
(since Mar. 19, 2024)
Mer Seng Hor, 59
Nation Power Party provincial deputy leader
Sentenced to
2 years 6 months in prison
Detained for 413 days
(since Mar. 15, 2024)
Sar Sokha, 63
Candlelight district party leader
Sentenced to
18 months in prison
Detained for 454 days
(since Feb. 3, 2024)
Khem Chanvannak, 46
Candlelight party capital leader (acting)
Sentenced to
2 years 6 months in prison
Detained for 473 days
(since Jan. 15, 2024)
Ny Nak, 44
Social commentator
Sentenced to
2 years in prison
Detained for 483 days
(since Jan. 5, 2024)
Chao Veasna, 58
Candlelight district party leader
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 649 days
(since Jul. 23, 2023)
Eng Sroy, 49
Candlelight provincial party leader
Sentenced to
3 years 6 months in prison
Detained for 655 days
(since Jul. 17, 2023)
Kem Sokha, 70
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party president
Sentenced to
27 years in prison
Detained for 791 days
(since Mar. 3, 2023)
Thach Setha, 70
Candlelight vice-president
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 837 days
(since Jan. 16, 2023)
Cheth Cheath, 34
Land Activist
Sentenced to
3 years in prison
Detained for 1001 days
(since Aug. 5, 2022)
Seng Theary, 51
Political activist
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1053 days
(since Jun. 14, 2022)
Voeung Samnang, 47
Political activist
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1271 days
(since Nov. 8, 2021)
Khan Bun Pheng, 62
Former CNRP commune chief
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1583 days
(since Dec. 31, 2020)
Thouk Theuy, 50
Former CNRP deputy district party leader
Sentenced to
5 years in prison
Detained for 1586 days
(since Dec. 28, 2020)
Heng Chan Sothy, 57
Former deputy CNRP district party leader
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1792 days
(since Jun. 5, 2020)
Kak Komphear, 54
Former CNRP capital councillor
Sentenced to
6 years in prison
Detained for 1797 days
(since May 31, 2020)
Ismael Pin Osman, 44
Former CNRP provincial party member
Sentenced to
15 years in prison
Detained for 3006 days
(since Feb. 7, 2017)
Yang Sok Yeang, 47
National Power party district deputy chief
Detained for 10 days, since April 22, 2025
Faces 12 months - 5 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Insult against the King (Criminal Code Article 437(bis))
Kan Kun, 55
Candlelight commune councilor
Detained for 47 days, since March 16, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Insult (Criminal Code Article 502)
Lok Ovide, 34
Detained for 47 days, since March 16, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Bou Sokhean, 37
Political activist
Detained for 71 days, since February 20, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Pao Thunn, 50
Political activist
Detained for 71 days, since February 20, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Chhoeun Dia, 35
Detained for 78 days, since February 13, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Sok Chetra, 36
Detained for 87 days, since February 4, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Phan Sarath, 49
Nation Power Party municipal deputy leader
Detained for 94 days, since January 28, 2025
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Phong Pros, 51
Candlelight commune election candidate
Detained for 96 days, since January 26, 2025
Faces 2 - 5 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Intentional acts of violence, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 217, 218)
Hong An, 50
Candlelight party provincial deputy leader
Detained for 158 days, since November 25, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Mean Chanthon, 33
Political activist
Detained for 158 days, since November 25, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Pen Chan Sangkream, 52
CNRP district council candidate
Detained for 158 days, since November 25, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Soeun Kunthea, 52
Political activist
Detained for 158 days, since November 25, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Vorn Chanrachna, 24
Political activist
Detained for 158 days, since November 25, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Yin Chanthou, 47
Political activist
Detained for 158 days, since November 25, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Chhour Sarin, 65
Land activist
Detained for 159 days, since November 24, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Infringement against private ownership (Land Law Article 253)
Mao Samoeurn, 58
Land activist
Detained for 159 days, since November 24, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Infringement against private ownership (Land Law Article 253)
Pang Bunson, 51
Candlelight commune councilor
Detained for 166 days, since November 17, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Yon Senglat, 23
Detained for 208 days, since October 6, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Nuon Toeun, 33
Detained for 216 days, since September 28, 2024
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Chheun Chamrong, 31
Detained for 227 days, since September 17, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Hor Sokhon, 41
Detained for 227 days, since September 17, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Chin Bunnaroth, 49
National Power Party administration head
Detained for 242 days, since September 2, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Va Chumroeun, 42
Detained for 255 days, since August 20, 2024
Sentenced to 12 months in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
So Pheang, 38
Detained for 256 days, since August 19, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Hong Sopheak, 24
Detained for 257 days, since August 18, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Ream Sreypich Rothana, 24
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association vice-president
Detained for 257 days, since August 18, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Sal Phally, 32
Detained for 257 days, since August 18, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Thy Thorn, 24
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association vice-president
Detained for 257 days, since August 18, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Choy Dorn, 26
Detained for 258 days, since August 17, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Seng Piseth, 18
Detained for 258 days, since August 17, 2024
Faces 5 - 10 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Seam Sophal, 55
Political activist
Detained for 259 days, since August 16, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khem Voeun, 54
Khmer Will Party district council candidate
Detained for 268 days, since August 7, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Nhep Sarom, 52
Political activist
Detained for 268 days, since August 7, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
San Oeun, 70
Candlelight commune councilor
Detained for 268 days, since August 7, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Pov Lita, 25
Detained for 276 days, since July 30, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Thel Thilen, 34
Social media user
Detained for 282 days, since July 24, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Pheung Sophea, 34
Activist
Detained for 283 days, since July 23, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
San Sith, 38
Activist
Detained for 283 days, since July 23, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Srun Srorn, 46
Activist
Detained for 283 days, since July 23, 2024
Faces 6 months - 2 years imprisonment
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Pen Vuthy, 66
Cambodia Reform Party provincial party member
Detained for 287 days, since July 19, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Chea Chantha, 41
IDEA local leader
Detained for 290 days, since July 16, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
Charge(s)
- Activities causing misapprehension with the discharge of public functions (Criminal Code Article 610)
- Fraud (Criminal Code Article 377, 378)
Long Kunthea, 27
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 304 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Ly Chandaravuth, 25
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 304 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Phuon Keoraksmey, 24
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 304 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Thun Ratha, 33
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 304 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Yim Leanghy, 35
Mother Nature environmental activist
Detained for 304 days, since July 2, 2024
Sentenced to 8 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
Sun Bunthon, 43
Khmer Will Party district council candidate
Detained for 327 days, since June 9, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
Charge(s)
- Breach of trust (Criminal Code Article 391, 392)
Sun Chanthy, 44
Nation Power Party president
Detained for 358 days, since May 9, 2024
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Morm Rithy, 42
Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation President
Detained for 359 days, since May 8, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Koet Saray, 31
Khmer Student Intelligent League Association president
Detained for 392 days, since April 5, 2024
Sentenced to 4 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Committing a misdemeanor after sentencing for a misdemeanor (Criminal Code Article 88)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Phon Yuth, 37
Political activist
Detained for 409 days, since March 19, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Mer Seng Hor, 59
Nation Power Party provincial deputy leader
Detained for 413 days, since March 15, 2024
Sentenced to 2 years 6 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
- Insult (Criminal Code Article 502)
Sar Sokha, 63
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 454 days, since February 3, 2024
Sentenced to 18 months in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khem Chanvannak, 46
Candlelight party capital leader (acting)
Detained for 473 days, since January 15, 2024
Sentenced to 2 years 6 months in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Forgery (Criminal Code Article 626, 627)
- Use of forged document (Criminal Code Article 628)
Ny Nak, 44
Social commentator
Detained for 483 days, since January 5, 2024
Sentenced to 2 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Committing a misdemeanor after sentencing for a misdemeanor (Criminal Code Article 88)
- Defamation (Criminal Code Article 305)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Kong Saron, 44
Detained for 524 days, since November 25, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Insult against the King (Criminal Code Article 437(bis))
Chao Veasna, 58
Candlelight district party leader
Detained for 649 days, since July 23, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
Eng Sroy, 49
Candlelight provincial party leader
Detained for 655 days, since July 17, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years 6 months in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Malicious denunciation (Criminal Code Article 311, 312)
Kem Sokha, 70
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party president
Detained for 791 days, since March 3, 2023
Sentenced to 27 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Conspiracy with foreign power (Criminal Code Article 443)
Thach Setha, 70
Candlelight vice-president
Detained for 837 days, since January 16, 2023
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Incitement to discrimination (Criminal Code Article 496)
- Law on Negotiable Instruments and Payment Transactions Article 231
Cheth Cheath, 34
Land Activist
Detained for 1001 days, since August 5, 2022
Sentenced to 3 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Theft, aggravated circumstances (Criminal Code Article 353, 357)
Seng Theary, 51
Political activist
Detained for 1053 days, since June 14, 2022
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Voeung Samnang, 47
Political activist
Detained for 1271 days, since November 8, 2021
Sentenced to 5 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
Khan Bun Pheng, 62
Former CNRP commune chief
Detained for 1583 days, since December 31, 2020
Sentenced to 5 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Thouk Theuy, 50
Former CNRP deputy district party leader
Detained for 1586 days, since December 28, 2020
Sentenced to 5 years in prison
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Heng Chan Sothy, 57
Former deputy CNRP district party leader
Detained for 1792 days, since June 5, 2020
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Kak Komphear, 54
Former CNRP capital councillor
Detained for 1797 days, since May 31, 2020
Sentenced to 6 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Incitement to commit felony (Criminal Code Article 494, 495)
- Plotting (Criminal Code Article 453)
Ismael Pin Osman, 44
Former CNRP provincial party member
Detained for 3006 days, since February 7, 2017
Sentenced to 15 years in prison
More information on this case here
Charge(s)
- Unlawful removal for cross-border transfer (Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Article 11)