The mother of former monk Chea Vuthy has called on the court to release her son, describing the charge of incitement against him as unjust and unacceptable.

Chan Mao told The Cambodia Daily that she is deeply concerned about her son, who is currently being held in prison. She said the accusation of incitement was unfair, insisting that her son had been actively engaged in social issues, particularly matters relating to national affairs and border concerns.

She urged the court to grant him freedom so he could continue contributing to the country.

Chan Mao works as a daily wage labourer planting taro in Kampong Chhnang province, earning around 30,000 riel a day. She said part of her income is used to support her living expenses, while the rest is saved to buy food to send to her son in prison in Phnom Penh.

On April 1, 2026, authorities in Battambang defrocked Chea Vuthy at Thammnimitt Reach Bopha Ram pagoda, also known as Wat Pacha, in Battambang city. No clear reason was given at the time, although he had been active on social media, often criticising the government and raising concerns about border issues.

Two days later, Phnom Penh Municipal Police issued a statement saying he had violated monastic rules and was facing a charge of incitement.

According to the statement dated April 3, authorities arrested Chea Vuthy under a court warrant issued on March 31 by an investigating judge at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. He was charged with incitement to cause serious social disorder.

He has since been sent to court and placed in pre-trial detention at a prison in Phnom Penh following a decision by the investigating judge.

Cambodia’s Constitution states in Article 35 that all citizens have the right to participate actively in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the nation. It also says that citizens’ requests should be carefully considered and addressed by state institutions.