Kevin Robinson
A closed trial of 150 Cambodian opposition politicians on various charges was carried out in Phnom Penh today, after more than a month of delay.
Many of the defendants in the trial today are linked to the National Rescue Party of Cambodia (CNRP) of opposition leader Sam Rainsy living in exile in France, the rest of which are human rights activists.
Opposition politicians and activists are taken out of a prison car in front of a court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia today Photo: AFP
The defendants faced a variety of charges such as "conspiracy", "inciting felony", "inciting disobedience soldiers" under the Cambodian criminal code, including crimes with a 30-year sentence.
Police and security staff dispersed the defendants' supporters gathered in the court.
The trial resumed after being delayed for more than a month.
The next trial will take place in March.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur Rhona Smith said that the trials of the opposition party "seemed to be politically motivated, lacking a clear legal basis".
