Former Cambodian Opposition Leader Released from Jail After Royal Pardon

Phnom Penh. A former leader of the Cambodian opposition party, who was jailed for criticizing the government, was released on Wednesday following a royal pardon.

Sam Chanthy, founder of the Nation Power Party, was sentenced to two years in prison in December 2024 for inciting social chaos. Cambodian authorities frequently use this charge against government critics.

His case is related to his social media posts, including video clips criticizing the Cambodian government during a meeting with supporters in Japan.

Rong Chhun, an advisor to the Nation Power Party, stated that Chanthy was released from a prison in Pursat province on Wednesday morning after King Norodom Sihamoni granted him a pardon.

Chhun welcomed his leader's release, saying, "The released Chanthy was received by his wife outside the prison."

The King of Cambodia traditionally issues royal pardons at the request of the government. Chhun confirmed the release, adding, "No reason was given for Chanthy's early release."

Rong Chhun, a long-time opposition leader and labor activist, is currently appealing his own case after receiving a four-year prison sentence last year on similar incitement charges.

He was charged in 2024 after meeting with victims of a land dispute and commenting on the area bordering Vietnam, where Prime Minister Hun Manet is from.

Chhun called on Wednesday for the charges against him to be dropped and for other detained party activists to be released. Rights groups have long accused the Cambodian government of strategically using legal cases to suppress opposition voices and legitimate political dissent.

Hun Manet took power in 2023 after Hun Sen resigned following nearly four decades of rule.