PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Human rights activist Mam Sonando was released after months in prison. He was sentenced in 2012 to 20 years on insurrection charges, after his appeal, the court announced changes to his offences and reduced his sentence to time served.
While co-convicted Touch Ream, Khan Sovann and Phorn Sreoun were scheduled to be freed with Sonando, a slower process did not allow their release. Unable to join the celebrations, Ream’s, Sovann’s and Sreoun’s families returned to Human Rights NGO Licadho’s offices to wait for further news on their release.
The four men were sentenced last year for inciting an alleged secessionist movement in Kratie after a land-grab related incident which led to the death of a 14 year-old girl. After a day and half hearing, the court announced the verdict will be given on March 14th.
.::.
Sheets cover furniture at Mam Sonando’s home. Sonando was released after months in prison. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Families of Touch Ream, Khan Sovann & Phorn Sreoun arrive at Correctional Centre 1 to wait for their husbands to be released along with Mam Sonando. Sonando was released just after 9am, while the other three men remain in prison. Mar 15 2013 © Erika Pineros
Mam Sonando walks free out of Correctional Centre 1. Mam Sonando was released after months in prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Mam Sonando leaves Correctional Centre 1 carried on a chair by supporters. Sonando was released after having had his sentence changed and cut to time served after appeal. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Mam Sonando and supporters hold their hands up in victory sign after leaving Correctional Centre 1. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Huon Pannary, secretary for the Association of Democrats and Mam Sonando’s advisor thanks demonstrators for their support as they leave the prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
A supporter hugs Mam Sonando on his arrival home after his release from months in prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Mam Sonando surrounded by supporters on his arrival from prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Heng Mom, a prominent Boeung Kak land rights activist, gets her hair cut by Mam Sonando as offering for his release. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Heng Mom, a prominent Boeung Kak land rights activist, gets her hair cut by Mam Sonando as offering for his release. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
Mam Sonando and secretary for the Association of Democrats and close adviser Huon Pannary, receive blessings at Sonando’s house after his release from prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros
.::.
To see related posts go to:
To be freed, Await verdict, Bail Denied, Sonando’s trial Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 & Day 4
