Cambodia's Supreme Court Denies Opposition Figure's Request to Attend Pchum Ben Festival

The Supreme Court of Cambodia, in a response dated September 25, 2026, has completely rejected the legal permission request submitted by Mr. Rong Chhun, a senior advisor to the National Power Party, to attend the traditional Pchum Ben festival. According to a letter from Dr. Jiv Keng, President of the Supreme Court, dated September 25, 2026, it stated: "I would like to inform Mr. [Rong Chhun] that the Supreme Court cannot consider your legal request because Supreme Court Ruling No. 507 XII dated June 19, 2026, is a final and enforceable decision and has already been sent to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prosecutor's Office for implementation according to Article 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code." On September 22, Mr. Rong Chhun, 57, a senior advisor to the National Power Party, submitted a letter requesting legal permission from the President of the Supreme Court to attend the Pchum Ben festival in his hometown, which is scheduled to begin on September 27 and lasts for 16 days. In his request letter, Mr. Rong Chhun wrote: "According to the final ruling No. 507 XII dated June 19, 2026, of the Supreme Court, I have the honor to inform Your Excellency the President that the Pchum Ben festival, a traditional Khmer festival lasting 15 days, will soon arrive, starting from September 27, 2026. I am prohibited from leaving Phnom Penh by Supreme Court Ruling No. 5007 XII dated June 19, 2026, point (b)." "On the occasion of this traditional Khmer Pchum Ben festival, I wish to request legal permission to join the celebration with my relatives and nephews and nieces, fulfilling traditional Khmer customs and rituals, including offering merit to benefactors who have passed away, such as my parents and grandparents, in my hometown located in Chong Kos Touch Village, Talorn Commune, Stueng Sa'ang District, Kandal Province." "I hope that Your Excellency the President will grant me legal permission to attend the Pchum Ben festival in my hometown." "Please accept my highest regards, Your Excellency the President." It is recalled that on June 19, 2026, the Supreme Court announced its ruling on Mr. Rong Chhun, senior advisor to the National Power Party, as follows: – Sentenced Mr. Rong Chhun to four (4) years in prison, but this sentence is suspended for a probationary period of three (3) years. – Prohibited from voting and engaging in politics for five years. – Prohibited from changing residence, leaving Phnom Penh, and participating in public gatherings. This announcement came after the Supreme Court held a hearing on June 15, 2026, under the charges of "incitement causing serious unrest to social security" and "recidivism in a middle offense after conviction for a middle offense," committed in Cambodia in 2024. All rights reserved by CEN