Cambodia's Court of Appeal Hears Appeal of Two Political Activists Charged with Incitement Over Border Dispute

The Court of Appeal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has commenced the hearing of an appeal lodged by two political activists who were previously convicted of inciting against Cambodian government leaders in connection with the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. The trial is drawing significant public attention. Presiding Judge Teng Rotana stated that the two appellants are Dim Kien, a 40-year-old male and provincial executive committee member of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), and Khu Hangmeng, a 50-year-old male political activist. Both individuals were sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in December 2025 to 18 months in prison and a fine of 2 million Riel (approximately $500 USD) each. They were charged with "incitement to cause serious disturbance to social security" and "insult" under Articles 494, 495, and 502 of the Penal Code. Dim Kien was arrested on June 3, 2025, while Khu Hangmeng was apprehended on June 11, 2025. Their arrests followed their posts on social media platforms, including Facebook, which contained defamatory, inciting, and insulting content targeting Cambodia's top leaders. These posts were reportedly related to the border dispute with Thailand and the assassination of former Member of Parliament Lim Kim Ya. The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal is scheduled to deliver its verdict on this case on the morning of October 13. Source: CEN Cambodia