Last month, two members of Cambodia’s forcibly dissolved opposition party — the Cambodia National Rescue Party — were arrested and charged with incitement, defamation, and violating a Supreme Court order. 

When Sun Bunthon and Nou Phoeun were brought in by the police, they were surprised to hear them read out a transcript of a private phone call. 

The men had spoken about the political situation, encouraging the return of the party’s exiled co-founder Sam Rainsy, who has been charged with treason and a host of other politically motivated crimes.

The pair’s lawyer, Sam Sokong, declined to speak about the case over the phone, preferring to meet in person.