The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), is honoured and pleased to inform the public that 3 current and 2 former ADHOC staff members have been summoned to appear before the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal on the afternoon of the 28th of April 2022 at 2:00 PM for the purpose of contesting their 2018 convictions for bribery of a witness. Although originally set for 25 March 2022, the appeal proceedings were delayed because one of the lawyers for the appellants contracted COVID-19.
After receiving the conviction decision from Phnom Penh’s Municipal Court in September 2018, ADHOC’s staff submitted an appeal of the decision to Phnom Penh’s Court of Appeal on 23 October 2018.
Note: The 5 ADHOC staff members were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) on 27th April 2016, charged with bribery of a witness pursuant to Article 548 of the Criminal Code of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Each person concerned was originally sentenced to 5 years. The Court considered the 14 months spent in pre-trial detention as time served, and suspended the remainder of their sentences.
According to the ADHOC staff members concerned, their convictions were not only unjust, but have had a lasting impact on their human dignity and their ability to exercise their rights and freedoms.
Commencing at 2pm on the 28 April 2022, ADHOC invites the national and international media, representatives of embassies and UN agencies in Cambodia, and international civil society to monitor and conduct follow-up of these appeal proceedings, and to advocate for international fair trial and due process standards to be respected throughout.
For the detailed information pleased contact:
- Seung Senkaruna: (855)86 342 666
- Phin Savey : (855)86 381 666
