PHNOM PENH – A Cambodian court on Thursday began hearing the cases of nearly 130 opponents and government critics charged with treason for taking part in nonviolent political activities over the past three years, in what one of them described as a sham trial.
Most of those being tried by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court are former members or supporters of the Cambodia National Rescue Party.
As the sole opposition party in Parliament, it had been expected to offer a strong challenge to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s party in the 2018 general election.But in late 2017, Hun Sen launched a sweeping crackdown on his opponents.