The environmentalists – Long Kunthea, Ly Chandaravuth, Phuon Keoraksmey, Thun Ratha and Yim Leanghy – had sought bail while their convictions were under appeal. All five were returned to separate prisons following the decision. All have been in prison since 2 July 2024, when they were convicted and jailed by the Phnom Penh Capital Court on charges of plotting alongside five other Mother Nature members. Leanghy and two other members not detained were also convicted of insulting the king.
