CIVICUS urges Cambodia to free five jailed environmental activists
CIVICUS has called on the Cambodian government to immediately release five environmental activists from the Mother Nature Movement, who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms on charges widely condemned as politically motivated.

- Five Mother Nature activists are serving six- to eight-year prison sentences for “plotting against the government” and “insulting the King.”
- CIVICUS says the charges violate Cambodia’s obligations under international human rights law.
- The group calls for the activists’ immediate release and reform of restrictive legal provisions.
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation has called on the Cambodian government to immediately release five environmental activists from the Mother Nature Movement.
The activists were sentenced to lengthy prison terms last year on charges widely viewed as politically motivated.
On 2 July 2024, Long Kunthea (27), Ly Chandaravuth (25), Phuon Keoreaksmey (24), Thun Ratha (33), and Yim Leanghy (35) were sentenced to between six and eight years in prison. They were convicted under Article 453 for “plotting against the government” and Article 437 for “insulting the King.”
According to CIVICUS, these charges stem from their peaceful activism since 2012, which focused on protecting Cambodia’s natural resources. The group has campaigned against the filling-in of lakes in Phnom Penh, illegal logging, and widespread environmental destruction.
CIVICUS described the convictions as a violation of Cambodia’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Cambodia is a signatory to the ICCPR, which protects freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The five activists are currently appealing their convictions. However, their requests for bail were denied by the Phnom Penh Appeals Court in February 2025 and again by the Supreme Court in April 2025.
Furthermore, the activists were transferred to prisons located hundreds of kilometres from their families. CIVICUS stated that this move violates international standards regarding the treatment of prisoners, which emphasise the right to maintain family contact.
Ongoing repression of environmental defenders
The Mother Nature Movement has faced ongoing judicial harassment over the years. Its members have repeatedly been detained and imprisoned for their environmental advocacy. In recognition of their work, the group received the prestigious Right Livelihood Award in 2023.
According to the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia, Article 437 on “insulting the King” is incompatible with international human rights law. It has been criticised for criminalising legitimate expression.
Additionally, Article 453 on “plotting” has been described as overly vague. Human rights organisations argue that its ambiguous language enables authorities to suppress dissent and restrict online expression beyond acceptable limits under international law.
CIVICUS calls for legal reforms
CIVICUS expressed deep concern that the conviction of the five activists reflects a broader pattern of repression in Cambodia. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet, civic space in the country has continued to shrink, with activists and opposition figures facing escalating crackdowns.
In its letter, CIVICUS called on the Cambodian government to quash the convictions and release the activists immediately and unconditionally. It also urged the government to stop using restrictive laws to criminalise human rights defenders and revise legal provisions that hinder fundamental freedoms.
CIVICUS further encouraged reforms to Cambodia’s Criminal Code to ensure compliance with international human rights standards. The alliance reiterated the importance of protecting environmental defenders, who play a crucial role in safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainable development.