Former Opposition Leader Kem Sokha Granted Royal Pardon After Treason Conviction

PHNOM PENH, May 26, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni has granted a royal pardon to former opposition leader Kem Sokha, weeks after an appeal court upheld his treason conviction.

A decree released Monday showed the pardon was signed by former prime minister Hun Sen, acting as head of state on behalf of the king.

Kem Sokha, 72, co-founded the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), once the country’s main opposition force.

He was arrested in 2017 after a video surfaced in which he spoke about receiving support from US pro-democracy groups.

Convicted of treason in March 2023, he was sentenced to 27 years under house arrest for allegedly conspiring with a foreign power to overthrow Hun Sen’s government. Rights groups denounced the case as politically motivated.

Last month, a Phnom Penh court rejected his appeal and upheld the sentence, including a five-year travel ban after its completion. The royal decree said the pardon applied only to the prison term and did not lift other restrictions.

Cambodian People’s Party spokesperson Chea Thyrith said the pardon reflected the “political virtue” of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who requested clemency. Hun Sen signed the decree after receiving royal authority in his acting role.

Chea Thyrith added the decision came as Kem Sokha faced personal difficulties, citing his mother’s terminal illness. He said the pardon aimed to promote “national unity and reconciliation,” noting that many Cambodians welcomed the move.