PHNOM PENH: The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has ordered the detention of two former opposition activists, Yim Sinorn and Hun Kosal, on charges of "insulting the King and inciting serious social unrest" under Article 437 (duplicate) of the Law on the Amendment of the Criminal Code, and Articles 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The detention order states that Yim Sinorn, born in Kandal Steung district of Kandal province, was arrested in Dangkao district of Phnom Penh, and Hun Kosal, born in Chhouk district of Kampot province, was arrested in Pou Senchey district of Phnom Penh.

According to Article 437 (duplicate) of the Law on the Amendment of the Criminal Code, anyone who insults the King will be sentenced to one to five years in prison and will be fined two to 10 million riel.

According to Article 494 of the Criminal Code on the existence of incitement, incitement is punishable when it is committed: (1) by speech of any kind, made in a public place or meeting; (2) by writing or picture of any kind, either displayed or distributed to the public; and (3) by any audio-visual communication to the public.

Article 495 of the Criminal Code details direct incitement to commit a felony or to disturb social security by employing one of the means defined in Article 494, and shall be punishable by imprisonment from six months to two years and a fine from one to four million riel.