AKP Phnom Penh, May 25, 2026 --

Mr. Kem Sokha, former President of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was granted a royal pardon, waiving his 27-year prison sentence imposed by the Phnom Penh Appeal Court.

According to the Royal Decree signed on May 25 by Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen on behalf of His Majesty the King, the pardon applies only to the principal prison sentence and does not cover any additional penalties.

Mr. Kem Sokha, born in 1953, had been sentenced under Final Criminal Verdict dated April 30, 2026, issued by the Phnom Penh Appeal Court.

The decree stated that Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet is responsible for implementing the Royal Decree from the date of signature onward.

"This an additional step in strengthening national unity," stressed Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister on his official social media platforms.

By C. Nika