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Prominent Cambodian opposition politician seeks Supreme Court reversal of incitement conviction
Rong Chhun seeks to overturn a conviction that bars him from office and voting as supporters urge judges to let him return to politics.
On Monday, Nation Power Party adviser Rong Chhun appeared at the Supreme Court to appeal his incitement conviction, seeking freedom to resume political activities.
Chhun was sentenced to four years in prison last year for incitement after meeting villagers displaced by government construction, a conviction barring him from voting or running for office.
Some 300 supporters gathered outside the hearing chanting, "Drop the charges, release Rong Chhun!" including Tim Ratha, a 55-year-old vendor from Siem Reap.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, in August 2023, faces criticism for using incitement allegations to stifle opposition.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on June 19; if cleared, Chhun hopes to promote "national reconciliation and national unity" for Cambodia's 17 million people.