PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The espionage trial of two Cambodian journalists who had worked for U.S. government-funded Radio Free Asia has resumed.

Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin were arrested in 2017 during a crackdown on the media and political opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen in the run-up to the 2018 elections. Rights groups have characterized the espionage case against the two men as a flagrant attack on press freedom.

They were charged with undermining national security by supplying information to a foreign state, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

They testified earlier in the trial that they had covered news events for Radio Free Asia after leaving its employment, but they denied any wrongdoing.

Sopheng Cheang, The Associated Press