Two Cambodian men have been sentenced to six years in prison after photographing a bridge later destroyed in a Thai airstrike, in a case that rights groups say highlights a growing crackdown on free expression linked to the border conflict. The Siem Reap Provincial Court convicted Meak Diep, 33, and Hun Hong, 36, on 11 May under charges of “collecting information that could harm national defence” and “attempted crimes.” Both were arrested last December after taking pictures of O’Jik Bridge, which was bombed days later by Thai F‑16s during escalating clashes along National Road 68. Human rights organisation LICADHO said the men were punished simply for having a photo of the bridge on their phones. “They only took a photo,” said Am Sam Ath, the group’s operations director, adding that the case reflects a broader pattern of arrests over online activity. The pair have appealed their convictions and remain in Siem Reap Prison. The crackdown has extended beyond photography. On 4 May, Chey Phirom, a small business owner in Puok district, was charged with “inciting serious disorder” after posting commentary about the border dispute on Facebook. Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have intensified since mid‑2025, with deadly clashes erupting twice last year. Thai forces now occupy 14 contested areas along the frontier, erecting concrete barriers and shipping containers to block access. Phnom Penh continues to lodge formal protests, accusing Bangkok of “flagrant violations” of sovereignty. Rights groups say ordinary citizens are paying the price. LICADHO reports that since July 2025, at least 109 people have been arrested, charged or convicted for social media posts and digital activism related to the conflict. The organisation warns that without clearer distinctions between legitimate expression and criminal acts, freedom of speech will be further eroded. ADHOC, another rights group, described 2025 as a “dark year” for civil liberties, documenting more than 200 cases of violations affecting over 15,000 people. For many Cambodians, the prosecutions have created confusion and fear, discouraging public debate at a time when the border dispute remains unresolved. As Am Sam Ath put it, citizen expression should be “a mirror for reflection in a democratic society” — but in today’s climate, even a photograph can carry a heavy sentence. -2026-06-11
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