Phnom Penh: Cambodia is to send paperwork to relevant countries, seeking the extradition of convicted former members of the CNRP for them to serve out their sentences in the kingdom. National Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-General Chay Kim Khoeun, has told EAC News that police have already made preparations to follow the court’s verdict and arrest and extradite them.

On Thursday this week, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced seven former opposition activists to 18 months in prison and fined them 2 million Riel (about $500) on charges of ‘’incitement to commit acts that cause serious chaos to social security” and ordered the authorities to arrest and imprison them here. The seven former opposition members are Rin Roth, Ron Chany, Mao Vibol, Sim Sophea and Neang Sokhun, all residing in Thailand, as well as Pich Sambor who is living in France and Ven Nu Sothea who is in Canada.

Ministry of Justice spokesperson, Chin Malin, told EAC News that no-one can escape from punishment, even if they flee to other countries. He added that Cambodian authorities still have the power to arrest all seven. He said: “The procedure for bringing fugitive prisoners to justice is through existing mechanisms, especially agreements like extradition and another through criminal cooperation.”

Former CNRP activist, Mao Vibol, who fled to Thailand, wrote on his Facebook page yesterday that he considers the trial in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to be a “political scenario”. He wrote: “I was sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined 2 million Riel for inciting to cause serious social unrest. It's the funniest thing for me as a politician and opposition youth.”

After the Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP in November 2017, 100 opposition activists were subsequently charged with “conspiracy and incitement”, with some of them fleeing aboard. Those who stayed were arrested and are carrying out a range of sentences.