Foreign Embassies in Cambodia Welcome Kem Sokha’s Release

PHNOM PENH, May 29, 2026 (KPT) — Foreign embassies in Cambodia have welcomed the royal pardon granted to opposition figure Kem Sokha, describing it as a positive step for democracy and human rights.

The US Embassy said Sokha’s conviction was unfounded and reiterated its long‑standing calls for his release. It urged Cambodian authorities to safeguard freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression.

Japan’s Embassy called the pardon a “positive development” and pledged continued support for democratic progress in the country.

Germany’s Ambassador Stefan Messerer described the decision as “a first positive development” toward opening civic and political space, stressing Berlin’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s peaceful democratic development.

Australia’s Ambassador Derek Yip said the pardon was “a meaningful step forward,” encouraging further progress to enable genuine political participation.

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 discussed 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.

King Norodom Sihamoni granted the pardon earlier this month, weeks after an appeal court upheld Sokha’s conviction.