Sonando gets 20 years
In a move that stunned his supporters and drew ire from rights groups and foreign embassies alike, independent radio station owner Mam Sonando was sentenced to 20 years in prison yesterday on charges of insurrection. Sonando, owner of broadcaster Beehive Radio and president of the rights group the Association of Democrats, was convicted of masterminding a so-called secessionist plot in Kratie province’s Pro Ma village in May – an accusation that has been roundly dismissed by rights groups and opposition figures as baseless and politically motivated. … In addition to his 20-year sentence, Sonando was ordered by the court to pay a 10 million riel ($2,500) fine. The court also convicted in absentia alleged co-conspirator Bun Ratha – who had once volunteered for the Association of Democrats – sentencing him to 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 10 million riel. Bun Chhorn and Sok Tong, also convicted in absentia, were each sentenced to 15 years and fined eight million riel, and three other co-defendants were given sentences ranging from 10 months to three years in jail. …
