"Mother Nature Activists Boycott Hearing as Access Limited", 5 June 2024

Five Mother Nature Movement activists refused to enter the courtroom where they were being tried for plotting against the state …, after authorities arbitrarily shut the street and limited some media and supporters from monitoring the public hearing at the Phnom Penh Capital Court.

The five activists – Yim Leanghy, Thun Ratha, Ly Chandaravuth, Phuon Keoraksmey and Long Kunthea – face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges, filed over their peaceful environmental activism. Their trial had its first hearing one week ago, when dozens of supporters and media gathered in front of the courtroom to witness them entering the court.

…, some NGOs and observers who had registered in advance were allowed to enter the courtroom, but barricades blocked access to the street in front of the court. Supporters accompanying the Mother Nature activists were prohibited from entering, leading the activists to sit and meditate in protest of the restrictions. The hearing proceeded without any of the charged activists present and consisted primarily of reading transcripts of their previous interviews.