By Cambodianess Teng Yalirozy June 1, 2026

Mother Nature activist Ly Chandaravuth leaving the Supreme Court on February 23 after his trial on an application for release. Photo: LICADHO

PHNOM PENH — After waiting nearly two years for an appeal hearing, five jailed environmental activists affiliated with the now-dissolved Mother Nature movement face another delay after Cambodia’s Appeal Court postponed proceedings without setting a new date.

The postponement has drawn criticism from 70 Cambodian and international civil society organizations, which have called on Prime Minister Hun Manet to intervene and secure the activists’ release.

The hearing had been scheduled for June 2. Instead, the court postponed it indefinitely, prompting rights and environmental groups to issue a joint statement urging the government to act.

The groups said Cambodia should demonstrate its commitment to civil liberties and environmental protection ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit, which the country will host in November.

“The Cambodian government should act in accordance with this spirit and free these five young activists,” the statement said.

Among the signatories was the Bruno Manser Fonds, a Swiss-based environmental organization.

Its executive director, Lukas Strauman, said the activists had played a key role in exposing environmental abuses and campaigning against illegal logging and sand dredging.

“They expose corruption linked to the exploitation of natural resources and stand up for communities affected by environmental destruction,” Strauman said.

“It is time to recognize them for what they are. Their work strengthens — rather than threatens — the country and its future.”

Strauman added that environmental defenders should not be treated as threats to national security and said greater respect for human rights would strengthen Cambodia’s international reputation and long-term development.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona rejected calls for executive intervention, saying the matter rests solely with the courts.

“The decision to release individuals is a legal matter,” Bona said. “In a country governed by the rule of law, no one has the authority to intervene in court decisions.”

He also dismissed attempts to link the activists’ detention to Cambodia’s hosting of the Francophonie Summit.

“The NGOs advocate for the independence of the three branches of government, yet at the same time ask the government to secure releases,” he said. “What do they truly want?”

According to Mother Nature, court officials said scheduling constraints led to the postponement.

In response, the group accused the judiciary of disregarding the rights of the five activists by repeatedly delaying proceedings. It said administrative obstacles, shortages of judges or procedural issues could not justify an appeal process that has remained unresolved for nearly two years.

Long Kunthea, Ly Chandaravuth, Phuon Keoraksmey, Thun Ratha and Yim Leanghy were among 10 Mother Nature activists convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on July 2, 2024.

The activists were sentenced to six years in prison for plotting against the state. Yim Leanghy received an additional eight-year sentence and a fine of 10 million riels, about $2,500, for insulting the King.

The latest postponement means the five activists remain behind bars with no indication of when their appeal will finally be heard. https://cambodianess.com/article/70-ngos-urge-release-of-mother-nature-activists-after-cambodia-appeal-court-postpones-hearing?fbclid=IwY2xjawSKWINleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBXa000NHgybEhyekM2RnNJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgVDu6uMPhBgPGuWh8JPCLS79LkSEPDNLVM2cylIItZ7Ear_-FJ9hUnsXvas_aem_LF-iyYF0tjm1lVpUsICIhA

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