Award-winning journalist Mech Dara arrested for incitement in Cambodia
Bangkok, October 1, 2024—Cambodian authorities must release and drop criminal incitement charges against investigative journalist Mech Dara, who was arrested Monday by military police at an expressway toll booth near the coastal city of Sihanoukville, the Committee to Protect Journalists said. “Journalist Mech Dara’s arrest and detention shows just how far Cambodia’s government is willing to go to…
Cambodia blocks websites, social media accounts of 3 outlets ahead of Sunday election
Bangkok, July 20, 2023—Cambodia’s government should lift its censorship orders against three news organizations and allow the media to report freely on the July 23 general elections without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. In a July 12 letter, the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia ordered local internet service providers (ISPs) to…
Cambodian authorities shutter Voice of Democracy news outlet
Bangkok, February 13, 2023 – Cambodian authorities must reverse the recent order to shut down the Voice of Democracy independent news outlet and allow the organization to continue reporting without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On Sunday, February 12, Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a statement on his official…
Cambodian prime minister’s bodyguards detain 5 journalists covering environmental issues
Bangkok, August 22, 2022 – Cambodian authorities must thoroughly investigate the recent detention and harassment of five journalists by members of the prime minister’s security team, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On August 16, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s bodyguards detained five journalists with the independent news outlet…
CPJ joins call for Cambodia government to revoke plans to establish an internet gateway
On May 16, the Committee to Protect Journalists joined more than 30 free expression, technology, and human rights groups in a statement calling on the government of Cambodia to revoke a decree that would establish a gateway capable of monitoring all internet traffic in and out of Cambodia. The Sub-Decree on the Establishment of the…
Cambodia sentences journalist Youn Chhiv to 1 year in prison
Bangkok, October 1, 2021 – Cambodian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist Youn Chhiv, and stop imprisoning members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Yesterday, the Koh Kong Provincial Court convicted Youn Chhiv, owner of the news website Koh Kong Hot News, of incitement to cause a felony, according to…
Cambodian authorities force reporters to delete photos, video of protest
Bangkok, August 16, 2021 – Cambodian authorities should return all items confiscated from reporters An Vichet and Lors Lib Lib, and ensure they can work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On August 13, police officers obstructed both journalists while they were covering a protest by villagers against the demolition of homes in…
Cambodian reporter Khou Piseth detained for criminal incitement
Bangkok, July 27, 2021 – Cambodian authorities should immediately release journalist Khou Piseth and drop any pending charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Piseth, a reporter with the local Siem Reap Tannhektar news website, was arrested on July 14 in the western city of Battambang after posting messages critical of the government’s handling…
Cambodia deports Chinese journalist Shen Kaidong for ‘fake news’ on COVID-19 vaccine sales
Bangkok, March 4, 2021 – Cambodian authorities should allow journalist Shen Kaidong to reenter the country and work freely, and should refrain from deporting members of the press over their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On February 24, authorities in the city of Siem Reap arrested Shen, a Chinese citizen and editor-in-chief…
Cambodia sentences journalist Sok Oudom to 20 months in prison
Bangkok, December 22, 2020 – Cambodian authorities should not contest journalist Sok Oudom’s appeal and should ensure that journalists do not face prison time for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Today, the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Court convicted Sok Oudom of broadcasting false news with intent to cause incitement, and ordered him to…