"Cambodian labor leader arrested for political comments", 01 August 2020

A prominent Cambodian labor union leader who is a longtime government critic has been arrested on a charge of inciting social unrest because of his comments about a politically sensitive matter concerning the country’s borders.

Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, was arrested Friday night at his home and taken Saturday to Phnom Penh Municipal Court, where he was formally charged with “incitement to commit felony” for statements alleged to be provocative. If tried and found guilty, he could face up to two years in prison.

…, Rong Chhun led several dozen factory workers to present a petition at Hun Sen’s residence asking him to help with their welfare after their factory was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He also gave an interview … to U.S. government-supported Radio Free Asia in which he spoke about meeting farmers in eastern Cambodia who complained about their land being infringed upon by neighboring Vietnam…

Police spokesperson Gen. Chhay Kim Khouen said Rong Chhun was arrested at the request of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court after he gave false information related to the border issue with Vietnam…