US calls for release of award-winning Cambodian journalist

The U.S. is calling for the immediate release of a Cambodian journalist arrested Monday and charged with incitement over recent social media posts.

Mech Dara, who won an award from the U.S. State Department last year for his reporting on cyber trafficking rings in Cambodia, was taken into custody by military police while traveling from Preah Sihanouk to Phnom Penh on Monday, his relative told local rights group Licadho.

He was reportedly charged Tuesday after being accused by authorities of “wanting to cause social disorder or confusion," and sent to pre-trial detention in Kandal province near the capital Phnom Penh.

"We are deeply troubled by the arrest of internationally respected journalist Mech Dara and call for his release," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told The Hill on Tuesday.

"Dara, a leading voice in efforts to end human trafficking and online cyber scams in the Kingdom was recognized as a 2023 U.S. State Department TIP Hero award for his reporting, has long been an advocate for the freedom of expression, a right guaranteed in Cambodia’s constitution," the spokesperson added. "We encourage the authorities to engage with diverse voices and opinions and foster a free and independent press."

Cambodia's U.S. embassy did not return a request for comment on Mech Dara's arrest.

It's unclear what social media posts he's being charged over. However, prior to his arrest, Prey Veng provincial officials issued a statement complaining about a Facebook post suggesting the stairway to an iconic temple had been replaced by a mining quarry.

Licadho and dozens of other civil society groups released a statement Tuesday calling the charges a "clear attempt to silence a brave journalist whose investigative journalism has routinely called for accountability in cases of human rights violations."

"Dara is a frontline investigative journalist whose stories over the last decade have uncovered corruption, environmental destruction, and human trafficking at scam compounds across the country, and has consistently pushed for accountability and justice," they added. "The arrest of Dara is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence him and other journalists in a country where press freedoms are routinely curtailed."

The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of two years.

Date:

Save story

Topics

More from The Hill

Politics - The Hill
5 takeaways from the Arizona Senate debate

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Republican candidate Kari Lake faced off in their only debate in the Arizona Senate race on Wednesday, as the two contenders frequently traded barbs. Gallego and ...
4 hours ago
Politics - The Hill
Democrats, GOP locked in tight Senate races in Florida, Ohio and Texas: Poll

Democratic and Republican candidates are locked in tight races for Senate in Florida, Texas and Ohio, three states that have yielded increasingly close polls in recent weeks, according to a new ...
4 hours ago
Politics - The Hill
Live updates: Milton strikes Florida with dangerous flooding and high winds

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday night near Sarasota as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 storm. The National Hurricane Center warned of “life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds, ...
5 hours ago - Florida
Politics - The Hill
Live updates: Hurricane Milton makes landfall near Sarasota, as Florida sees flooding and tornadoes

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned residents to stay in place as Hurricane Milton makes landfall as a Category 3 storm, bringing with it flooding and tornadoes.
5 hours ago - Florida
Politics - The Hill
Florida rep expects 'catastrophic devastation’ to coastal communities from Hurricane Milton

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) predicted on Wednesday that Hurricane Milton would bring "catastrophic devastation" to coastal communities in Florida but said he hoped it wouldn't bring "catastrophic ...
6 hours ago - Florida

US calls for release of award-winning Cambodian journalist

Topics

See also

Reeves must convince on growth to keep bond investors on side

John Legend calls for Harris to put 'conditions' on US aid to Israel

Tim Walz calls for scrapping of electoral college to decide US presidential race

Why Pennsylvania could hold the keys to the White House

Biden-Netanyahu call fails to dispel doubts over US ability to sway Israel

US election briefing: Trump’s ‘onslaught of lies’ about hurricane relief; Walz calls for end to electoral college

AI wins another Nobel, this time in Chemistry: Google DeepMinders Hassabis and Jumper awarded for AlphaFold

Ex-NFL Media journalist says he’s reached a settlement with the league on discrimination lawsuit

Cambodian fishermen turn to raising eels as Tonle Sap lake runs out of fish

LISTEN: Mets radio call of Francisco Lindor's go-ahead grand slam to clinch NLDS win

More from The Hill

5 takeaways from the Arizona Senate debate

Democrats, GOP locked in tight Senate races in Florida, Ohio and Texas: Poll

Live updates: Milton strikes Florida with dangerous flooding and high winds

Live updates: Hurricane Milton makes landfall near Sarasota, as Florida sees flooding and tornadoes

Florida rep expects 'catastrophic devastation’ to coastal communities from Hurricane Milton