The former president of the now outlawed Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was accused of colluding with a foreign power in a bid to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen,who has ruled in the south-east Asian nation since 1985.
Finding him guilty of treason,Judge Koy Sao ordered Sokha,69,to be confined to his home for 27 years and also banned him from any involvement in politics,voting and standing for election for life.
While on trial Sokha had met regularly with visiting dignitaries in Phnom Penh,such as Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong last August,but is he now also barred from seeing foreigners or anyone except family members.
His lawyer,Ang Udom,told reporters the sentence,which ends Sokha’s political career,was unacceptable.
“As a lawyer I will appeal,” he said. “We have strong evidence ... for it is unjust and not right.”
The hearing was attended by a host of foreign ambassadors including Patrick Murphy,the top US diplomat in Cambodia,who slammed the outcome.
“The United States is deeply troubled by the conviction of respected political leader Kem Sokha,” Murphy said.