PHNOM PENH — A teenager from Cambodia with autism vowed Wednesday that he would continue fighting for his father’s freedom. He was sentenced to a year in prison for making social media criticisms of the government. The case has drawn international attention.
Kak Sovannchhay (16) raised his right arm and screamed “Long Live Cambodia” to his supporters. He then hugged his mother as he walked out from the Prey Sar prison, just outside of Phnom Penh.
He held a bouquet red roses and lilies close to his chest, smiling shyly at reporters who snapped photos.
Kak Sovannchhay was in custody since June. He was charged with making comments in a Telegram chat forum defending his father. Also, he is being held for posting Facebook posts critical of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
His father, Kak, is currently in detention and his mother, Prum, Chantha, is part of Friday Wives. Friday Wives hold protests to demand release of husbands who were jailed for criticizing Hun Sen’s government.
Kak Sovannchhay stated to reporters that he was happy to be free, but that he would continue to defend his father’s beliefs and beliefs.
He said, “I won’t quit.” He said, “I will continue my path.”
Hun Sen, who has been at the helm for 36 years, has been accused of leading an authoritarian regime that used the judiciary to suppress opposition.
United Nations human rights specialists have accused Cambodia of “weaponizing” its court system in Kak Sovannchhay’s case to silence dissent. U.S. W. Patrick Murphy, Ambassador to Cambodia, questioned the decision “to sentence a child to imprisonment time for what appears like politically motivated charges.”
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court defended its verdict by pointing out that the teenager was previously in trouble for posting online comments. The court also pointed out that his age was taken into account in reducing his sentence. It did not receive any medical confirmation that he had autism.
Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watch Asia deputy director, stated that it was “absolutely shocking and unacceptable” that the autistic boy was imprisoned and arrested in the first instance.
In an email to The Associated Press, he stated that “The case further damages the reputation of Cambodia’s courts & prosecutors who once again showed themselves to be bereft any sense of justice when it comes to political cases prioritized government”
Kak Sovannchhay was convicted of incitement and felony. His trial ended on Oct. 13, but the court announced his verdict last week.
He was sentenced for eight months, but was released on sentencing guidelines which include credit for time served.
His mother stated that even though her son is now free, her worries about the conviction overshadow him. Her lawyer is currently looking into appeals to continue fighting the charges.
She said that she will have him return to school, but she has concerns.
She said, “I don’t know if they will harass him or not by other students when we go back.”
