Cambodia: Court sentences Westerner to six years in prison for espionage

Event

On August 31, a Cambodian court sentenced an Australian filmmaker to six years in prison on the grounds that he made pictures of drones flying over a political rally of the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The rally was staged ahead of a general election. The sentenced person has been visiting Cambodia for over two decades, producing documentaries on this country and its population.

Context

His arrest occurred amid a crackdown on freedom of expression and repression of opposition leaders and civil society activists. In July, the Prime minister Hun Sen Cambodian People's Party (CPP) claimed victory at the general election. Hun Sen has been ruling the country since 1985.

Advice

Some foreign governments warn their nationals of the fact that the legal process in this developing South-eastern Asian nation is unpredictable, lacks transparency and is open to interference from political and business interests. Authorities advise foreign nationals against taking pictures in or near airports or military bases, and to ask permission before photographing people.