Cambodia's court of appeal Thursday jailed two men for 20 years each for the 2004 killing of a prominent trade union leader as rights groups condemned the ruling.
Born Samnang, now 29, and Sok Sam Oeun, 32, were arrested soon after unionist Chea Vichea was shot dead in broad daylight in January 2004.
A lower court jailed the men in 2005 until the Supreme Court ordered them released on bail in 2009 pending a review of the case.
Human rights campaigners and UN officials have complained repeatedly of procedural irregularities in the case and a lack of evidence against the men.
Some groups have said they are scapegoats to cover up a political assassination.
The UN human rights office and the International Labour Organization in 2009 said it was "beyond doubt" that there was insufficient evidence to convict them.
However, Judge Chuon Sunleng said Thursday that the latest investigations had found that the men were indeed guilty, citing numerous witnesses. On top of their prison terms, he ordered them together to pay 10,000 dollars in compensation to Chea Vichea's family.
As the judge read out the verdict, the men began to weep. "Why? Why?" Born Samnang cried. "I am not a murderer." The men continued to sob for more than an hour as they were processed for prison.
"I can't believe it. Now I will have to live alone with my daughter. My husband is a good man, not a killer," Sok Sam Oeun's wife, Neang Then said, also crying as she held her 2-year-old daughter.
Hong Kimsuon, the defence lawyer for Sok Sam Oeun, said his client and Born Samnang were innocent. "They did not commit this crime although the judge said they were guilty," he said.
Lawyers for both men lodged appeals with the Supreme Court immediately after the verdict was announced, he added.
The government has come under criticism this year for using legal action against its critics while promoting what rights groups say is a culture of impunity for the rich and well-connected.