02/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Union called on the Cambodian authorities on Tuesday 2 March to begin a process of national reconciliation “through a genuine and inclusive dialogue”. The day before, in the context of ongoing mass trials against opposition members and human rights defenders, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced nine opposition leaders in exile to 20-25 years in prison. The accused have not been allowed to return to the country to defend themselves, “which appears to be a violation of due process rights”, denounced the spokesperson for the European External Action Service. The spokesperson called on the authorities to respect the Rule of law and due process and to ensure that the right to political participation and fundamental freedoms are fully respected. (CG)