In a case that rights groups have called politically motivated, Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha received a 27-year sentence for treason on Friday.

"Kem Sokha... is sentenced to 27 years in prison on charge of collusion with foreigners committed in Cambodia and other places," Judge Koy Sao said at the court in Phnom Penh.

The court also stripped him of his right to vote and barred him from running for political office. Cambodia is set to hold elections in July. 

After the verdict, Kem Sokha was taken to his home, where he will be placed under house arrest and only allowed to meet family members.

His lawyer, Ang Udom, said his legal team would appeal the verdict.

The US ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy called the conviction a "miscarriage of justice."

Who is Kem Sokha?

Kem Sokha was arrested in 2017 over accusations he conspired with the United States to overthrow Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades. Kem Sokha, who headed the now-disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party, had denied the charges. Washington called the allegations "fabricated conspiracy theories."

The CNRP was banned ahead of the 2018 elections, where Prime Minister Hun Sen won. Many of its members were arrested or fled into exile.

Upcoming elections

Cambodia is due to hold elections in July. The opposition has launched the Candlelight Party, with several former members of the CNRP.

Critics say Hun Sen has encroached upon democratic freedom and used his power to stifle opponents. He has also shut down several media outlets and cracked down on civil dissent in recent years.

Last month, he ordered the shutdown of The Voice of Democracy, also known as VOD, one of the last independent local news organizations in the country.

Hun Sen is expected to run in the elections but had previously supported his eldest son as a possible successor.

sms/zc (AFP, Reuters, AP)