Cambodian Journalists Detained Over Video Exposing Alleged Torture in Cyberscam Compound

February 03, 2025 – Cambodia – 

Two Cambodian journalists, Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat, were arrested after releasing a video that allegedly showed a man being tortured in a cyberscam compound in Phnom Penh. The footage, published by Akhara’s SA TV and Socheat’s Cambodia Star Daily News 24/24, reportedly depicted a victim handcuffed to a pole and subjected to physical abuse. However, Cambodian authorities denied the authenticity of the video and accused the journalists of spreading false information.

Both Akhara and Socheat were charged with incitement, with officials claiming their video could disrupt public order and harm the reputation of national leaders. Following their arrest, the two were detained at Correctional Center 1 prison. Reports indicate they later issued public apologies, expressing regret for the content and any negative impact it may have caused.

This case highlights the increasing challenges and restrictions faced by journalists in Cambodia. The country’s government has been criticized for tightening control over the media, often targeting reporters and outlets that expose sensitive or controversial issues. Press freedom in Cambodia remains severely constrained, with journalists frequently subject to intimidation, arrests, and legal harassment.

International organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have condemned the arrests of Akhara and Socheat. CPJ called on Cambodian authorities to immediately release the detained journalists and to respect the essential role of independent media in holding those in power accountable. The detention is part of a broader pattern of suppression that threatens the ability of Cambodian journalists to report freely and safely.

This incident underscores the vital need for stronger protections for journalists and greater respect for freedom of expression in Cambodia. As the global community watches closely, continued advocacy is necessary to ensure that journalists like Akhara and Socheat can carry out their work without fear of reprisal, contributing to transparency and accountability in Cambodian society.

Reference – 

https://www.ucanews.com/news/cambodian-journalists-held-over-scam-compound-torture-video/107708

https://www.licadho-cambodia.org/flashnews.php?perm=434

2 Cambodian journalists detained over cyberscam torture video