Cambodian Jailed for Life by US for Failed Coup

Filed in archive International Press on June 23, 2010

© World Economic Forum

A decade ago, Cambodian born, Chhun Yasith attempted to overthrow the Cambodian government.

Chhun is a naturalized American citizen and has resided in the US since the early 1980s. During the 1990s he created a group known as the Cambodian Freedom Fighters.

Under command of the group over 100 men attacked Cambodian strongholds in November of 2000. Armed men stormed several government buildings in an attempt to overthrow the Prime Minister Hun Sen. The group used rockets and grenades, leading to several deaths and injuries. The final and most destructive leg of the coup never occurred and over 100 members of the Cambodian Freedom Fighters were arrested.

Chhun, an accountant, was arrested in Los Angeles in 2008 for his part in the events surrounding the Cambodian Freedom Fighters attack. He was subsequently charged with four felony counts involving conspiracy and attack on a US ally.

Chhun is currently serving a life sentence for his part in this failed coup. He claims that he did what he did, to avenge the death of his father. For more about this story please read US Jails Cambodia Coup Plotter Chhun Yasith for Life, courtesy of BBC News.