Mother Nature Cambodia: Free the Five!

“We are deeply concerned about the five young human rights defenders of Mother Nature Cambodia (MNC) – Long Kunthea, Yim Leanghy, Thun Ratha, Phuon Keoraksmey, and Ly Chandaravuth (MNC5) – convicted in July 2024, and now serving six to eight years in prison. They promptly appealed their sentences. However, the appeals court hearing has been significantly delayed.”

This is the opening paragraph of the letter of solidarity that was sent to Prime Minister Hun Manet on June 1, 2026. It was meant to reach the Cambodian head of government in time for the appeal hearing scheduled for June 2. 

But the hearing was postponed indefinitely – yet again. The court explained that the presiding judge had personal matters to attend to as well as other urgent obligations. 

The letter, which was initiated by the Bruno Manser Fund, was of course also signed by Rainforest Rescue. Mother Nature Cambodia has been our partner for more than 10 years.

“This case has always been politically motivated,” said Lisa Mean, MNC campaigner, in an interview with the Mongabay media network. “It seems they have no credible evidence to support the charges, so their strategy is simply to keep delaying the trial.”

Their rights have been violated

In December 2025, the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) examined possible violations of the right to a fair trial of the five activists. This right is guaranteed by Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Cambodia ratified in 1992. It includes the right to proceedings without undue delay, the right to be presumed innocent and the right to liberty. Under these standards, a hearing must take place less than six months after an appeal is filed with the competent courts. 
Long Kunthea, Yim Leanghy, Thun Ratha, Phuon Keoraksmey and Ly Chandaravuth have now been waiting almost two years for this hearing. During these two years, their applications for release on bail have already been rejected four times.

On July 2, 2024, the five young MNC members were sentenced to six to eight years in prison and immediately taken to five different prisons scattered across the country – separated not only from their families, but also from one another. Five further members of the group were convicted in absentia on the same day.

Defending nature and human rights is not a crime

For more than ten years, the members of Mother Nature Cambodia have been campaigning with imaginative, media-savvy actions for environmental protection, human rights, democracy and transparent development in their country. In recognition of their courageous and committed work, they received the Right Livelihood Award in 2023. The Cambodian government, however, is cracking down hard on the group.

In his written judgment, the judge ruled that the activists were guilty of “plotting against the government” and “insulting the king”.

Despite everything, Lisa Mean refuses to give up hope: “Five of us have been unjustly imprisoned and one activist felt forced to go into exile. All of us face the threat of prison or exile. But Mother Nature Cambodia continues to exist, continues to stand up for environmental protection and continues to be a source of inspiration.”

Rainforest Rescue has supported the movement from the beginning – with petitions, articles and donations. 

Petition, background and updates on Mother Nature Cambodia

Briefing paper by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) 

Mongabay: Rights groups renew call to free jailed Cambodian environmental activists