But the court surprised observers by giving the convicted workers suspended sentences and freeing them immediately.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruled that the 23 defendants, detained since January, had served enough time behind bars and were free to return home. Four of of the defendants were ordered to pay fines of 8 million riel (£1,200) for incitement.
Human rights groups welcomed their release but criticised the convictions, which carried suspended sentences ranging from one to four-and-a-half years. Supporters said the ruling had been politically motivated to quiet criticism from both the government’s opposition and from Western clothing brands that are made in Cambodia.
Authorities cracked down on January protests calling for a higher minimum wage for garment factory workers, leaving at least four people dead after police action.
The minimum wage was increased, but not as much as workers had demanded, and a widespread but short-lived strike accompanied the protests.
The crackdown drew criticism from human rights groups and drew attention to the terrible conditions endured by the factory workers, who manufactured clothing for several global brands.
“We regret that these people were detained for several months in jail for crimes they never committed,” said Am Sam Sath of the rights group Licadho.
“The verdict today is clearly connected to the political situation and pressure from the big brands.”
foreigneditor@peoples-press.com