A provincial court in Siem Reap has formally charged two online journalists with gathering information in a military zone that prosecutors say could endanger Cambodia’s national security.
In a statement released today, the court spokesperson said that after reviewing testimony and evidence, prosecutors decided to file charges against Pheap Pheara of THSP68 TV Online and Porn Sopheap of Battambang Post TV Online. Both face allegations linked to collecting information at a battlefield site.
According to the court, the two men allegedly entered a restricted military area in Oddar Meanchey province between July 25 and July 31 and took photographs that authorities claim could seriously compromise national defense.
The case remains under investigation. Judges are still examining evidence and questioning witnesses, and no trial date has been set.
The pair was arrested on July 31 at separate locations after returning from reporting near the Cambodia–Thailand border. They were later placed in pre-trial detention at Siem Reap provincial prison.
Authorities charged them under Article 445 of the penal code, which covers the provision of information to foreign states that could jeopardize national security. If convicted, they face between seven and fifteen years in prison.
Before their arrest, the journalists were photographed alongside Cambodian soldiers in front of Ta Krabey temple following the July 28 ceasefire. That image was later reposted by Thai media with additional pictures showing landmines in the background, although the exact location was not identified.
Reacting to the case, Soeng Senkaruna, head of the Khmer Democracy Organization, wrote on Facebook today that Cambodia no longer needs journalists to report on border issues, since whenever they publish information the government dislikes, they risk immediate arrest.
Freedom House reported at the end of 2024 that Cambodia ranked eighth out of the ten ASEAN member states for restrictions on political freedom, freedom of expression, basic civil rights, and independent media.
