11 Cambodian opposition activists jailed for insurrection charges

The Cambodia's Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday convicted eleven opposition activists of leading or participating in an insurrection and sentenced them between 7 and 20 years in prison, according to a verdict.

They were found guilty of either leading or joining an insurrection during a violent protest near the Freedom Park in Phnom Penh on July 15, 2014 that left more than 40 people injured, mostly security personnel.

"The court decides to sentence Meach Sovannara (head of the Information Department of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party), Oeur Narith and Khin Chamroeun (both are opposition party officials) to 20 years in prison for leading an insurrection," said a verdict announced by Presiding Judge Lim Makaron.

The verdict added that the other eight activists were sentenced to seven years in prison for participating in the insurrection.

The court also fined each of them between 2,000 and 5,000 U.S. dollars.

In April, the 11 party officials and activists were freed on bail, but were re-arrested and sent back into jail on Tuesday while they appeared in court to hear the verdict.