Australian filmmaker James Ricketson returns home from Cambodia after royal pardon
Ricketson’s pardon came a few days before Hun Sen – who has held power for more than 33 years – was scheduled to travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly
An Australian filmmaker freed from jail after receiving a royal pardon in Cambodia returned home on Sunday as his family spoke of being “overwhelmed with happiness” at his release.
James Ricketson was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment last month after being convicted of espionage. He had been in detention since June last year after he flew a drone over an opposition rally.
He was given a royal pardon on Friday after strongman premier Hun Sen requested it.
The 69-year-old landed in Sydney late on Sunday after being deported on Saturday.
“The Ricketson family are overwhelmed with happiness to have James home safely in Australia,” they said in a statement reported by commercial broadcaster Channel Nine. “James still deeply loves Cambodia and its people and remains committed to helping however he can.”
The family thanked supporters for campaigning for his release, as well as King Norodom Sihamoni for “bringing this nightmare to an end”.
They added that the 16-month imprisonment took a huge physical and emotional toll on Ricketson’s health.