Reporters harassed over Cambodia’s ‘sensitive’ issues

Phun Yuth

Phnom Penh – 29 April 2026. Thirteen incidents of harassment against journalists were documented in Cambodia during the first three months of the year, according to the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM). The cases, affecting 15 reporters, were mostly linked to coverage of border tensions and online scam operations.

CCIM said the incidents included arrests, detentions, threats, forced content removal and prosecutions, highlighting what it described as a pattern of legal pressure against those reporting on politically sensitive issues. “These incidents illustrate a shrinking space for press freedom, especially for journalists investigating matters involving security forces, state-linked economic interests, or border-related concerns,” the report stated.

Executive Director Chhan Sokunthea expressed hope that authorities would allow journalists to report freely on social issues, including those with implications for Cambodia’s international reputation.

The Ministry of Information questioned the findings, arguing that some documentation lacked legal context and factual detail. Spokesman Tep Asnarith said such reports sometimes rely on assumptions and fail to reflect government efforts to support journalists.

The debate over press freedom comes as the Takeo Provincial Court sentenced opposition activist Phun Yuth to 18 months in prison for insulting government leaders over border issues on social media.

The wheelchair-bound 41-year-old was convicted of incitement and misdemeanour offences under Cambodia’s Criminal Code.

Rights groups condemned the ruling. Yi Soksan of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association said Yuth was exercising his right to free expression and urged the court to drop the charges.

He noted Yuth’s poverty and mental health challenges, stressing that “he is a wheelchair-bound man who can only use his voice to criticise authorities who do not adequately support people with disabilities.”

The CCIM report and Yuth’s conviction underscore growing concerns about Cambodia’s press freedom and civic space, as journalists and activists face mounting legal and political pressure when addressing sensitive national issues.

-2026-04-29