21-Year-Old Woman Sentenced to 18 Months for Inciting Offenses via Facebook

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Court of Appeal in Phnom Penh on July 21, 2026, announced its decision to uphold the 18-month prison sentence for a young woman accused of inciting criminal offenses through her social media activities, particularly on Facebook. The presiding judge, Kov Sao, confirmed the appellate ruling, which maintains the original sentence handed down by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on October 7, 2025. The lower court had found the defendant, identified as Ayu Dina, a 21-year-old woman who sold products online, guilty of inciting offenses under Articles 494 and 495 of the Penal Code, imposing an 18-month prison term and a fine of 2 million Cambodian Riel (approximately $500 USD). Ayu Dina was arrested and detained on March 2, 2025, after allegedly posting severe attacks on national leaders on her Facebook page with the intent to incite criminal acts. The appeal court's decision is expected to reignite discussions surrounding freedom of expression online and the balance with national stability in Cambodia. As social media use, especially among the youth, continues to grow, the implications of online statements and the legal accountability for them are becoming increasingly significant.