By Lauren Crothers
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AA) – Two days before the first anniversary of their arrests, five Cambodian human rights defenders were on Wednesday named as finalists for the prestigious Martin Ennals Award.
The four members of local human rights group Adhoc and the deputy secretary-general of the National Election Committee were arrested and detained after they provided food and transport to a woman alleged to have had an affair with an opposition politician.
This resulted in bribery charges, for which they still await trial while in prison. Critics have said the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
This week, a judge extended their detention and a trial date is yet to be set.
In a statement, Adhoc President Thun Saray described their nomination as an “immense honour” and “a symbol of encouragement for every courageous Cambodian who continues to speak out against injustices and human rights violations.”
They were joined by El Salvadoran transgender woman Karla Avelar, who has faced death threats over her LGBTI activism, and Mohamed Zaree, a leading figure in Egypt’s human rights movement since 2014.
The winner of the award, which aims to recognize human rights defenders at risk, will be announced on Oct. 10 in Geneva.
