Prey Sar Detention for Protocol Row Pair
Yim Sinorn (L) and Hun Kosal (R). Photo: Hun Kosal's Facebook account
- By Phoung Vantha
- March 23, 2023 1:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – Two opposition activists were placed in detention at Prey Sar prison on March 22 on charges of insulting the King and inciting serious social unrest.
They were put under investigation on March 21, under articles 437, 494, and 495 of the Penal Code, according to the investigating judge of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Yim Sinorn and Hun Kosal, who are known to be close to detained former opposition leader Kem Sokha, were arrested on March 21 after they posted critical statements about Prime Minister Hun Sen related to the King.
Hun Sen said both statements contained provocative content and belittled the King.
The charges are in connection with social media posts about the relative positions of the PM and the King at the SEA Games torch-lighting ceremony at Angkor Wat.
Sinorn posted, “According to the people’s opinions at the cafes today, we can clearly see who is the real king of the earth"
He later deleted the post, saying people had misunderstood the meaning.
On Mar 22, Hun Sen said that at that moment, the king was discussing with him, and he followed from behind, not daring to walk alongside the King.
The King sat ahead, while the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officers sat in a low position behind the King, he added.
The Prime Minister also ordered all TV stations to re-broadcast video of the event for the public to watch.
