Cambodia's Appeal Court orders ex-opposition leader to remain in jail, pending trial

PHNOM PENH, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Appeal Court of Cambodia on Tuesday upheld the decision of a lower court to extend a further six-month pre-trial detention for former opposition leader Kem Sokha, a court spokesman said.

"The Appeal Court rejected Kem Sokha's appeal and upheld the decision of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to extend his detention by an additional six months," Appeal Court spokesman Touch Tharith told Xinhua after a half-day hearing.

Sam Sokong, one of the lawyers for Kem Sokha, said the court ordered Kem Sokha to remain in prison, giving reasons that he was charged with treason - a serious crime - and his presence in prison was vital for an ongoing investigation.

Kem Sokha, who has been detained at the Trapaing Thlong Prison in southeastern Tboung Khmum province since his arrest in September last year, did not appear in court for the hearing, he said.

On March 5, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court extended the pre-trial detention of Kem Sokha by another six months.

Kem Sokha, 64, president of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested on Sept. 3 last year and charged with treason for conspiring with a foreign power in an attempt to overthrow the government.

If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

More than two months after his arrest, the CNRP was dissolved by the Supreme Court and 118 senior party members were banned from joining politics for five years. Enditem