Germany and Australia Praise Kem Sokha Pardon as Step Towards Reconciliation

PHNOM PENH, May 28, 2026 (KPT) – International diplomats and political observers have welcomed the royal pardon granted to Cambodian opposition figure Kem Sokha, describing the move as a positive step towards national reconciliation and greater political openness.

Germany’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Stefan Messerer, called the pardon “a first positive development” following the overturning of Sokha’s 27-year sentence.

“I hope that this represents a broader move towards a more open and just civic and political space in Cambodia,” Messerer said, adding that Germany remained committed to supporting Cambodia’s peaceful and democratic development.

Australia’s embassy in Phnom Penh also hailed the decision, describing it as “a meaningful step forward” for both Sokha and Cambodia.

“We would welcome further positive developments in his case,” the embassy said, while encouraging Cambodia to enable genuine political participation.

Chea Thyrith, a senior Cambodian official, said the pardon came as Sokha faced personal difficulties, including his mother’s terminal illness, and was intended to promote “national unity and reconciliation.”

Political analyst Kin Phea described the move as “a further step in strengthening national unity,” adding: “I pray that this step becomes a meaningful one, and an important starting point for continuing a long journey towards strengthening national solidarity.”

Kem Sokha, 72, co-founded the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). 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 the government.