Cambodia: Former opposition party member tried for incitement and defamation over border dispute comments

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a trial commenced on the morning of September 8, 2026, at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court against a former provincial executive of the opposition "National Power Party." The defendant is accused of inciting social unrest and defaming top government leaders in relation to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, through comments made on social media. Presiding Judge Rem Sophak stated that the accused, identified as Khoun Virath, a 35-year-old male, held the position of National Committee Member and acting executive president of the National Power Party for Prey Veng Province prior to his arrest. Khoun Virath faces charges of incitement to cause severe social chaos and defamation of public officials, as stipulated by Articles 494, 495, and 502 of the Penal Code. The defendant was arrested by competent authorities on April 7, 2026, in Phnom Penh and is currently being held in pre-trial detention at the Tbong Khmum Provincial Prison. According to a police report, Khoun Virath was an active member and an elected commune/sangkat councilor for the opposition Candlelight Party in 2022. Khoun Virath had previously been arrested and convicted, serving a two-year prison sentence in March 2023 for fraud and the use of forged documents, under Articles 626, 627, and 628 of the Penal Code. This conviction was related to his involvement in the registration of a new political party named "National Heart Party." At that time, Khoun Virath was accused by authorities of using forged fingerprints that he had collected for the registration of the National Heart Party. Thirteen individuals were implicated in that forgery case. Khoun Virath was released from prison in March 2025, having fully served his sentence. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court is scheduled to announce its verdict in this criminal case on October 9. Source: CEN Cambodia