Hun Sen pardons detained Cambodia opposition leader Kem Sokha

Many political opponents were convicted during Hun Sen’s time in power while Kem Sokha’s CNRP co-founder Sam Rainsy remains in self-exile in France

Cambodia’s acting head of state, former prime minister Hun Sen, pardoned opposition leader Kem Sokha on Monday from a sentence of almost three decades for treason.

Kem Sokha, who was convicted of trying to topple the former long-ruling leader’s government and sentenced to 27 years, “is pardoned”, Hun Sen posted on social media alongside a royal decree signed by him.

Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades, stepped down as prime minister in 2023 and handed power to his eldest son, Hun Manet.

But Hun Sen is still president of the Senate, remains an influential figure in national politics, and is acting head of state while King Norodom Sihamoni receives medical treatment abroad.

Kem Sokha, 72, was arrested on treason charges in 2017 and sentenced six years later, but was ordered to serve his time under house arrest in the capital, Phnom Penh.

The co-founder of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha, has repeatedly denied the charge.