Cambodian journalist Chhoeung Chheng was shot in the abdomen while riding a motorcycle on December 4, 2024 in Siem Riep province and died from his injuries at a local hospital on December 7, according to multiple press reports.
Chheng, an environmental reporter with the local Kampuchea Aphivath news site, was attacked by a local farmer while reporting on the transport of alleged illegally cut timber in the Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary in Siem Reap province.
Authorities announced they had arrested a suspect the day after the shooting. The Siem Reap provincial police chief told reporters the attack stemmed from a “personal dispute,” without providing further details.
On May 28, 2025, a provincial court sentenced Sy Loeuy, a farmer, woodworker and suspected illegal logger, to 12 years in prison, according to reports. Loeuy confessed during police interrogations and in court, those reports said. The court also ordered him to pay 54 million riel ($13,500) in compensation to Chheng’s family.
Chheng's widow, Chiev Chap, complained the sentence was too lenient. “Twelve years is too light — it’s not enough. One person lives and one is dead. This is not justice,” she was quoted as saying in a UCA News report.
Environmental journalists in Cambodia are frequently targeted for their reporting, including coverage of illegal deforestation, CPJ research shows.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Information did not respond to CPJ’s emailed request for comment.