The Latest: Australian man convicted of spying in Cambodia

The Latest on an Australian filmmaker’s trial in Cambodia on a national security charge (all times local):

10 a.m.

A judge in Cambodia has convicted Australian filmmaker James Ricketson of spying and sentenced him to six years in prison.

Ricketson was detained last year after flying a drone to photograph an opposition party political rally.

The charge of endangering national security is tantamount in legal terms to espionage, but prosecutors never named the foreign power for which he allegedly spied.

Cambodia has shown leniency recently against jailed critics or opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government, which had raised hopes Ricketson would be freed.

———

7:50 a.m.

An Australian filmmaker has arrived at a Cambodian court to hear his verdict on a security charge that carries up to 10 years in prison.

James Ricketson arrived alone in a prison van Friday. From a court waiting room, he told The Associated Press, “I hope I am free today and I could go home.”

He has been held since June last year when he was detained after flying a drone to photograph an opposition party political rally.

The charge against Ricketson is tantamount in legal terms to espionage, but prosecutors never specified which foreign power he allegedly spied for.

Cambodia has released almost two dozen jailed critics or opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government in recent hopes. That has raised hope Ricketson may also be freed.