A Cambodian appeal court has upheld 14‑year prison sentences for two journalists convicted of treason after posting a photo taken in a military‑restricted border zone.

Pheap Phara and Phorn Sopheap were arrested last July after sharing an image on Facebook that appeared to show them with Cambodian soldiers at the Ta Krabei temple, a centuries‑old site on the disputed frontier with Thailand. Thai media later republished the photo, alleging unplaced landmines were visible in the background.

The pair were sentenced in December for “supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence” following deadly clashes along the border that killed dozens and displaced more than a million people. On 26 March, the appeal court in Battambang province confirmed the convictions, rejecting their challenge.

Rights group LICADHO condemned the ruling, warning it would deepen fears among journalists. “This case affects journalism, especially the space of free press that will make journalists worry about their safety,” said Am Sam Ath, the group’s operations director.

Cambodia ranks 161st out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.

Officials defended the verdict. Information ministry spokesman Tep Asnarith said the case was “a lesson for journalists to carefully think about publishing news and the protection of national security,” stressing that press freedom must align with national interests.

Although Cambodia and Thailand signed a ceasefire in December, tensions remain high along the frontier, with both sides trading accusations of truce violations. For Cambodia’s journalists, the ruling underscores the risks of reporting in a country where press freedom is increasingly under threat.

-2026-03-27

On 3/27/2026 at 10:22 AM, geovalin said:

stressing that press freedom must align with national interests

Oh. So, i.e., no press freedom exists.