Imprisoned Australian filmmaker James Ricketson could be bound for Australia as early as Sunday after receiving a royal pardon in Cambodia.
His family said they were overwhelmed by the support they had received during the campaign to release the Australian filmmaker from jail.
The Australian filmmaker was serving a six-year prison term after flying a drone over a political rally in Cambodia in June 2017. The authorities accused him of being an Australian spy and he was found guilty of espionage on August 31, 2018.
A royal pardon sought by the family has been successfully granted, Mr Ricketson's attorney, Sam Onn Kong confirmed.
He told CNN his client "never had any malicious intent toward Cambodia”, adding that the charges were never substantiated in court.
Freelance researcher Noan Sereiboth, based in Cambodia, tweeted the royal pardon document.
Family credits people power for successful pardon
Stepdaughter Lee Holmes said she is grateful James Ricketson is finally returning home after over 14 months in prison.
“Happy Days #jamesricketson will be coming home,” she posted on Twitter and Facebook.
She thanked supporters and said people power is to thank for her stepfather’s release.
“We did it! #peoplepower,” she said in her post.
Adopted daughter Roxanne Holmes posted a message of thanks on the change.org petition which garnered 107,688 signatures.
Concerns about deteriorating health
“It feels like the pain of the last 14 months has hit me in one go, so many emotions but above all, I am so happy,” Ms Holmes wrote.
“Our deepest thanks to all those who have supported us from Australian filmmakers to politicians and to every single person who signed, shared, called, emailed - you made this happen.”
A statement released by son Jess Ricketson and nephew Bim Ricketson said they had feared for the health of James in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar prison.
“James is almost 70 and our family has been very concerned about his health - we’re not sure how long he could have continued to endure the conditions of the notorious Prey Sar prison,” they said in a statement.
“The strain on our family and friends and supporters has been tremendous, but we thank everyone who has supported James and our family through this ordeal.”
Jess Ricketson said his father’s release will allow him to “return to his passions of filmmaking, journalism and helping those who need it most”.
Press freedom advocates welcome news
Peter Greste, who himself spent 400 days in jail on anti-state charges for his journalism in Egypt, said he is overjoyed at the news of James’ release.
“This is unexpectedly wonderful news! #campaigningworks,” he wrote on Twitter.
“After 14 months in prison on trumped-up espionage charges, filmmaker James Ricketson is coming home!”
James is set to be deported to Australia as early as Sunday.
Government thanks Cambodian officials
The Australian government has thanked Cambodia for pardoning James Ricketson, saying consular assistance is being provided to assist with his prison release.
"I welcome the news that James Ricketson's petition for pardon has been approved by the Cambodian government," Ms Payne said in a statement on Saturday.
"This ends a distressing time for Mr Ricketson and his family.
"I thank my counterpart, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, for his government's positive consideration of Mr Ricketson's petition."
James Ricketson first travelled to Cambodia to film a documentary on pedophilia and children at risk. He has since then been involved in setting up charities and has fostered a Cambodian girl and her mother.
