
Journalists Under Siege: A Call for Global Accountability
May 16, 2025
UK Journalist Richard Medhurst’s Case Highlights Growing Threats to Press Freedom
May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 – Cambodia –
On May 16, 2025, Cambodian environmental journalist Ouk Mao was arrested by plainclothes military officers at his home in Stung Treng province. The officers, arriving in an unmarked vehicle, detained Mao without presenting a warrant, stating only that “their boss wanted to speak to Mao about a piece of land.” He was subsequently taken to the Stung Treng Provincial Gendarmerie Headquarters and remains in custody awaiting a court hearing.
Mao, 49, has been a prominent figure in exposing illegal logging and land grabs in Cambodia’s protected areas. His investigative reporting has previously led to both legal challenges and physical assaults. Notably, in March 2025, he was attacked while documenting deforestation activities in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Mao’s arrest, describing it as arbitrary and indicative of escalating judicial harassment against journalists in Cambodia. RSF has called for his immediate release and urged the Cambodian government to cease its repressive actions targeting media professionals.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of suppression against environmental activists and journalists in Cambodia. In recent years, individuals and organizations highlighting environmental issues have faced increased scrutiny, legal action, and, in some cases, violence. The arrest of Mao underscores the risks faced by those who challenge powerful interests involved in environmental exploitation.
As of now, the specific charges against Mao remain unclear. His detention has raised concerns among press freedom advocates and environmental organizations, who view it as a troubling development in Cambodia’s ongoing crackdown on dissenting voices.
Reference –
https://www.ucanews.com/news/cambodia-targets-another-environmental-reporter/109032