Cambodian journalist Meas Sara, director of CCN media outlet, has been released from custody after his wife issued a public apology and appealed directly to Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet for his freedom.
His wife, Sek Kongyi, who gave birth only seven days ago, appeared in tears as she begged for his release. Holding her newborn child in her arms, alongside their six-year-old daughter, she pleaded for Meas Sara to be freed so he could return to his family.
Sek Kongyi explained that without her husband, no one would be able to support or care for the household. She said she was still recovering from childbirth and was unable to take full responsibility for their children.
Meas Sara was detained on August 26 while gathering information in a private capacity at a site in Choek Chai village in Banteay Meanchey province. The area has recently seen protests by Cambodian villagers against Thai soldiers accused of encroachment.
Earlier, on August 21, the Ministry of Information revoked the licence of CCN Online TV, the media outlet headed by Meas Sara. The decision came after the outlet reported on border issues in Banteay Meanchey a day earlier, including accounts of villagers losing their homes and Cambodian military posts being affected by what was described as encroachment by Thai troops.
Following the revocation of his media licence, Meas Sara announced he would no longer report as a journalist. Instead, he said he would continue to speak out in his capacity as a citizen and a young Cambodian who loves his country.
