Five environmental activists in Cambodia will remain in prison, where they have been for more than 622 days, after the country’s Supreme Court decided not to allow them to go free as they appeal their convictions. On July 2, 2024, Ly Chandaravuth, Phuon Keoraksmey, Long Kunthea and Thun Ratha were sentenced to six years each in prison for plotting against the government. Yim Leanghy received a sentence of eight years, along with a fine of 10 million riel (about $2,500), for plotting against the government and insulting Cambodia’s king. The five activists are members of Mother Nature Cambodia, a group that has campaigned against logging, dams and the mining of coastal sand for export. Five other members of the group also received sentences in absentia in 2024. Mongabay chronicled the lead-up to their trial in the film The Clearing, as well as their acceptance of the Right Livelihood Award “for their fearless and engaging activism to preserve Cambodia’s natural environment in the context of a highly restricted democratic space.” Chandaravuth, Keoraksmey, Kunthea, Ratha and Leanghy have appealed their sentences, which stem from charges related to their environmental activism. All five had also previously been jailed on the same charges before being released on bail in 2021. Ly Chandaravuth leaves the Supreme Court on Feb. 23, 2026, after his trial on an application for release. Image courtesy of LICADHO. Phuon Keoraksmey before she was taken to prison on July 2, 2024. Image courtesy of Mother Nature Cambodia. The original date for…This article was originally published on Mongabay

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