Nation Power Party Adviser Petitions Justice Ministry over Constitutional Rights

Rong Chhun, an adviser for the Nation Power Party (NPP), submitted a petition to the Ministry of Justice on July 1, asking the minister to intervene and review a Supreme Court ruling that he claims was based on unclear facts and imposed restrictions on his fundamental rights in violation of the constitution. Speaking to journalists outside the ministry after submitting the letter, Rong Chhun said he wanted the Supreme Court decision to be reconsidered and the case reopened for a new hearing. "I am asking the ministry to review the Supreme Court’s decision and request that a new hearing be held," he said. Rong Chhun said the ruling removed his rights to stand for election, vote, and participate in political activities. He said it also prevented him from speaking publicly, attending forums, and leaving Phnom Penh. He argued that the restrictions were inconsistent with the spirit of Cambodia’s constitution. Citing Articles 34, 35, and 40, he said these provisions guarantee citizens’ fundamental rights and that any restrictions should be reviewed. "The Supreme Court’s decision lacks clear facts. The accusation that I committed incitement was based on the court’s claims rather than specific evidence," he said. Rong Chhun said courts at every level had failed to secure him justice, but he would continue to use all available legal procedures to seek a review. "We cannot remain silent. Rights and freedoms, even when guaranteed by law, can be lost if we do not demand and defend them," he said. He said that if the Ministry of Justice failed to respond or rejected his request, he would submit a petition to King Norodom Sihamoni in his role as president of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy. Rong Chhun also said he could ask the Constitutional Council to determine whether the restrictions imposed on him were compatible with the constitution. On June 19, 2026, the Supreme Court reduced Rong Chhun’s sentence to three years in prison, suspended, and limited the removal of his political rights to five years in connection with a charge of repeat offending. Cambodian citizens and international human rights organisations have repeatedly reported that the government does not act in accordance with the spirit of the constitution, accusing it of applying laws to serve its own interests.