Chinese citizen and editor-in-chief of the The authorities failed to investigate physical Chinese-language media outlet Angkor Today, attacks against CNRP members and was deported for publishing a story about supporters. In April, a 16-year-old CNRP vaccines deemed as “fake news” by the supporter was assaulted by two men and authorities. The same month, the National hospitalized with a fractured skull. The Assembly passed the Law on Measures to attackers were not found. On 24 June, the Prevent the Spread of Covid-19 and other same supporter was arrested and charged Serious, Dangerous and Contagious Diseases with incitement and insulting public officials (Covid-19 law), which imposed severe in connection with comments made on the penalties for contravening Covid-19 messaging app Telegram that were critical of restrictions, including prison sentences of up the government. He was sentenced to eight to 20 years. months in prison and released in November According to local NGO LICADHO, at least after serving four and a half months. The 258 people were arrested under the Covid-19 supporter’s father had been arrested in 2020 law between 10 and 25 April for disobeying and was among dozens of CNRP members administrative measures. Among these, 83 facing trial. individuals were prosecuted and jailed. REPRESSION OF DISSENT Dozens more were arrested for criticizing the government’s Covid-19 response. Authorities used the judicial system to FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION unjustly arrest, prosecute and imprison human rights defenders and environmental Members of the banned opposition party, the activists. In August, trade union leader Rong CNRP, continued to face arbitrary arrests and Chhun was convicted of “incitement to prosecutions as well as violent attacks by commit a felony or cause social unrest” and unidentified assailants. In early January, sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. The mass trials of approximately 150 CNRP trial followed public statements he made senior leaders and other party members and alleging community land loss resulting from supporters began.1 Many of the charges the demarcation of the Cambodia-Viet Nam related to the planned return of self-exiled border. Opposition activists Sar Kanika and CNRP leaders to Cambodia in November Ton Nimol were convicted of incitement and 2019, which was characterized as a coup sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment after attempt by the authorities. On 1 March, nine calling for Rong Chhun’s release. Ten others senior party leaders were found guilty in their who also protested against Rong Chhun’s absence of “attempting to commit a felony” imprisonment were arrested and charged and “attack” under Articles 27 and 451 with incitement. respectively of Cambodia’s Criminal Code. Environmental activists affiliated with the Party co-founder Sam Rainsy was sentenced campaign group Mother Nature Cambodia to 25 years’ imprisonment and others to (MNC) faced judicial harassment throughout between 20 and 22 years. the year. In May, five MNC activists were On 9 November, Veourn Veasna and convicted of incitement and sentenced to Voeung Samnang, both CNRP supporters between 18 and 20 months’ imprisonment and UNHCR-recognized refugees, were (two were convicted in their absence). They forcibly returned to Cambodia from Thailand had been arrested after planning a protest and detained on charges of incitement and march against government plans to privatize, Covid-19 law violations. Hun Sen had fill and develop the largest remaining lake in previously ordered Voeurn Veasna's arrest the capital, Phnom Penh.2 In June, three after he published a poem criticizing him. other MNC activists were charged variously The two men remained in pretrial detention with “plotting” and “insulting the King” (lèse at the end of the year. majesté), along with one other, again charged in their absence. They had been arrested Amnesty International Report 2021/22 112