Cambodia's Kem Sokha Sentenced to 5 More Years

0:00A Cambodian appeals court just upheld the 27-year prison sentence for opposition leader Kamsoka on treason charges. The 72-year-old is serving it under House arrest, and now he's banned from leaving the country for five more years after that. His arrest back in 2017 kicked off a major crackdown on political rivals by the government. They accused him of plotting with the United States to overthrow them, based mostly on a video of him talking strategy with U.S. democracy groups. Kamsoka and his supporters say he never betrayed Cambodia or risk lives. He pushed non-violence in unity. His lawyer called the ruling regrettable and hinted at a possible appeal to the Supreme Court while urging national reconciliation. The fallout was huge. His Cambodia National Rescue Party got dissolved right after, letting Prime Minister Hun Sen's party grab every seat in the style 2018 election. Even with Hun Sen's son taking over his Prime Minister last year, no real changes to the system. Western embassies are speaking out, pushing for his release to boost democracy there.

1:04This keeps the pressure on Cambodia's tight grip on power, with more eyes watching what comes next. That's your update from Canada News Today, powered by AI.