PHNOM PENH, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Thursday sentenced prominent land rights activist Tep Vanny to two and a half years in prison for causing violence during a 2013 protest, according to a verdict.
"The court decided to sentence Tep Vanny, 35, to two years and six months in prison and fine her five million riel (1,250 U.S. dollars) for causing intentional violence," said the verdict read by Phnom Penh Municipal Court's presiding judge Long Kesphirum.
The court also ordered Vanny to compensate a total of 2,250 U.S. dollars to two state security guards whom she attacked during a protest outside Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen's house in Phnom Penh in March 2013.
The verdict was delivered after a two-hour trial, which saw a few dozens of her supporters gathered outside the court to call for her release.
Vanny's conviction came after two state security guards filed a complaint to the court, claiming that they were knocked unconscious after Vanny pelted them with plastic bottles, soft drink cans and shoes during the protest.
Under the kingdom's law, the convict has one month to appeal against the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's ruling.
