Symbol copyright AFP Image caption James Ricketson denies all charges
An Australian filmmaker has been sentenced via a Cambodian court to 6 years in prison on charges of spying for an unnamed u . s . a ..
James Ricketson, SIXTY NINE, used to be arrested in June 2017 at the same time as flying a digicam drone over an competition rally.
Mr Ricketson denies the costs and his attorney said he may enchantment in opposition to the decision.
His arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on dissent by means of the increasingly authoritarian government in Phnom Penh.
He has visited Cambodia ceaselessly over the final two decades and been a firm critic of High Minister Hun Sen.
Symbol copyright AFP Symbol caption The courts didn’t name the rustic he allegedly spied for
The prosecution’s main argument depended on a number of emails in which he expressed sympathy for opposition groups.
in one e-mail, he urged Australia’s govt to withdraw an invitation for Hun Sen in 2016.
His family has expressed dismay over the verdict stating: “James is not a spy. James loves Cambodia and the Cambodian other folks. he’s a filmmaker and a humanitarian”.
The filmmaker’s lawyer told media that if the decision is upheld, the Australian executive should take diplomatic action.
Authoritarian crackdown
The ruling comes as observers increasingly more accuse Cambodia’s government of authoritarian rule to suppress dissent.
Image copyright AFP/Getty Photographs Symbol caption Competition leader Kem Sokha has been charged with treason Cambodia ruling party claims landslide
The competition Cambodia Nationwide Rescue Birthday Party (CNRP) at the back of the rally Mr Ricketson used to be filming has on the grounds that been banned, leaving the government with none serious political opponent.
on this year’s basic election, Hun Sen’s ruling celebration claimed a landslide victory, however it used to be a poll that was broadly criticised for its failure to allow severe competition.
Hun Sen, a former soldier in the Khmer Rouge who later opposed them, has presided over a sustained length of speedy economic growth.
But he has lengthy been accused of the use of the courts and safety forces to weigh down dissent and intimidate critics.
