Cheam Channy facts for kids

Cheam Channy (Khmer: ជាម ច័ន្ទនី; 15 February 1961 – 25 October 2018) was an important Cambodian politician. A politician is someone who works in government, helping to make decisions for the country. Cheam Channy was a member of parliament, which means he was elected by people to represent them in the country's government. He belonged to an opposition political group called the Sam Rainsy Party.

Cheam Channy's Political Journey

Cheam Channy started his political journey representing Battambang Province in 1998. He was elected during the National Elections that year. Later, in 2003, he was elected again, this time representing Kompong Cham province.

Facing a Legal Challenge

In 2005, something important happened in the Cambodian National Assembly. This is where elected representatives meet to make laws. On February 3, 2005, a vote took away the special protection called parliamentary immunity from Cheam Channy. This protection usually stops politicians from being arrested while they are doing their work.

After his immunity was removed, Cheam Channy was arrested by military police. He was accused of serious things, including creating an illegal army for his political party. He said he was innocent and had not done anything wrong.

The Trial and Sentence

Cheam Channy's trial began on August 8, 2005. He told the court, "I have never recruited or appointed anyone in an army structure, nor have I taken money from anyone." He asked the court to set him free.

However, the court found him guilty. The next day, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison. An international human rights group, Amnesty International, said the trial was not fair. They stated that the trial did not meet international standards and that there was no strong evidence to prove the accusations against him.

A Royal Pardon

Luckily, Cheam Channy's story took a positive turn. On February 2, 2006, the King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni, reduced his prison sentence. Instead of 7 years, it became 3 years.

Just four days later, Cheam Channy received a full royal pardon. This meant he was completely forgiven and released from prison. The U.S. State Department, which is part of the American government, praised this decision. They called it a "positive turn" for justice in Cambodia.

Later Life and Passing

After his release, Cheam Channy continued his life. He passed away on October 25, 2018. He had been unwell, suffering from a brain tumour that had spread.