Cambodia Upholds 18-Month Prison Sentence for Youth Convicted of Incitement on Social Media

Phnom Penh Court of Appeal on the morning of July 21, 2026, announced its decision to uphold the 18-month prison sentence for a young man accused of inciting criminal offenses, specifically related to posts on Facebook that incited discrimination and opposition against national leaders amidst the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. Presiding Judge In Vanvibol stated that the accused, identified as Suon Chandean, a male, was previously employed by a private bank in Kratie province. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court had previously sentenced the accused on November 20, 2025, to 1 year and 6 months in prison and a fine of 2 million Riel for inciting criminal offenses, as stipulated by Articles 494 and 495 of the Penal Code. The accused was arrested in 2025 by internal security forces of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, following a court order. He was accused of writing severe attacks against national leaders on social media with the intent to incite discrimination, commit criminal offenses, and oppose national leadership. Information Source: CEN Cambodia