Around 50 Civil Society Organizations Demand Unconditional Release of Youth Activist Thy Thorn

Approximately 50 NGOs and civil society organizations in Cambodia have issued a joint statement demanding the immediate and unconditional release of youth activist Thy Thorn from prison. The statement argues that the 7-year prison sentence handed down to Thy Thorn indicates the existence of double standards within Cambodia's justice system. Thorn is described as an individual who has actively participated in social work, environmental protection, seeking justice for human rights activists and environmental defenders, and advocating for freedom of expression and full democracy. The statement emphasizes that courts should be places that provide equal justice to all individuals, regardless of political affiliation. It asserts that Thy Thorn's actions should not be considered criminal offenses, and certainly not grounds for a 7-year imprisonment for "conspiracy." The severe sentence is further described as a violation of human rights, destroying the future of a patriotic and upright youth for seven years. International human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch had previously called for the immediate release of Thy Thorn, vice-president of the Khmer Intellectual Students Association, along with two other political activists, Ms. Sreang Kuntha and Mr. Mean Chanthor, on September 2, 2026. For reference, on September 2, 2026, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance sentenced Thy Thorn, 25, vice-president of the Khmer Intellectual Students Association, along with political activists Sreang Kuntha, 53, and Mean Chanthor, 36, to seven years in prison each for "conspiracy." Attempts to contact the Cambodian government spokesperson for comment on this statement were unsuccessful as of this publication. Source: CEN Cambodia