Cambodia’s govt shrugs off backlash over jailed opposition leader

Cambodia accused western countries on Saturday of political interference and arrogance after several governments condemned a 27-year prison sentence handed to opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason.

The 69-year-old co-founder of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was accused of hatching a secret plan in collusion with foreign entities to topple longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The US characterised Friday's guilty verdict and sentence as a "miscarriage of justice" based on a "fabricated

conspiracy".

The United Nations, European Union, France, Australia and the United Kingdom also expressed concerns about the case and Cambodia's ailing democracy ahead of July polls.

But Cambodia's foreign ministry dismissed the condemnation as "prejudiced and hypocritical" and denied there were political motives at play.

"Crime is a crime, and it cannot be justified for other aspirations," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday.

The trial was conducted transparently, the spokesperson said, defending the veracity of the evidence.

The ministry accused foreign envoys of a political narrative potentially based on "delusion or arrogance" and said diplomats had a duty not to meddle in internal affairs.

"Cambodia remains steadfast in holding July's general elections in a free, fair, just and transparent manner," the spokesperson added.

Kem Sokha -- who denies the charges against him -- was immediately placed under house arrest and barred from speaking to people outside his family.