The trial of more than 120 opposition politicians was opened in Phnom Penh, but proceedings were postponed to the following year.

A total of 121 defendants, all linked to the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), were required to appear in court today.

The defendants and court staff came to trial amid tight security.

Some defendants complained that they were not allowed to see the indictment against them before the trial, while some believe they were indicted for supporting opposition leader Sam Rainsy's failed return from France last year.

Ney Leak, 29, an opposition political activist facing charges of posting a message supporting Rainsy's return, said she was "innocent".

After two hours of trial, when the attorneys asked for more time to prepare, the judge decided to divide the case into two.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur Rhona Smith said the opposition party member trials "seemed to be politically motivated, lacking a clear legal basis".