Cambodian Journalists Jailed for Treason, Sparking Press Freedom Concerns
A Cambodian court has sentenced two journalists to 14 years in prison on treason charges, raising alarm among press freedom advocates. The case highlights a growing crackdown on dissent and independent reporting in the country, particularly concerning coverage of the ongoing border dispute with Thailand.
The Case Against Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara
Phorn Sopheap, of Battambang Post TV Online, and Pheap Pheara, of TSP 68 TV Online, were arrested in July 2025 and convicted in December 2025 by the Siem Reap Provincial Court. They were charged under Article 445 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code with “supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defense.” Human Rights Watch reports the conviction stemmed from a photograph taken near the Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province.
The photograph, which was also published by Thai government agencies and media, appeared to show anti-personnel landmines. Thailand alleged that Cambodian forces had laid the mines in violation of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, a claim Cambodia denied, stating the mines were remnants of past conflicts.
Border Dispute and Allegations of Landmine Use
The Ta Krabei temple is located near the site of clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces in July and December 2025. The border area has been a source of tension, with Thailand accusing Cambodian forces of using landmines, a claim Cambodia refutes. Both countries have ratified the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the production, transfer, stockpiling, and use of antipersonnel mines.
Broader Crackdown on Journalists
The sentencing of Sopheap and Pheara is not an isolated incident. Cambodian authorities have recently targeted other journalists reporting on the border conflict. Meas Sara was charged with incitement in August 2025 after live-streaming interviews with villagers displaced by the fighting. Luot Sophal, a journalist with Srotop Yuvakvey news, was arrested and charged with incitement and demoralizing the armed forces in February 2026 after reporting on alleged water shortages faced by frontline troops.
Appeals and International Criticism
Both Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara have appealed their convictions, as reported by the Associated Press. International organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the sentences and called for the charges to be dropped, arguing that they are based on vague national security laws used to criminalize legitimate reporting.
Cambodia ranked 161st out of 180 countries in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, placing it among nations with “very serious” press freedom situations.
Government Response and Concerns
Despite the crackdown on journalists, the Cambodian government has sought international media attention, with Prime Minister Hun Manet granting an interview to Reuters regarding the border situation shortly after Sophal’s arrest. Critics argue that the government’s actions undermine its efforts to present a positive image internationally and that fostering a free press is crucial for transparent and accurate reporting.