Cambodian Journalist Luot Sophal Detained After Reporting on Military Water Shortage

February 18, 2026 – Cambodia –

Cambodian journalist Luot Sophal was arrested and briefly detained after reporting on a water shortage affecting military forces, prompting criticism from press freedom advocates who say authorities used vague legal provisions to suppress critical coverage. The arrest highlights ongoing risks for journalists covering governance and public services in the country’s restrictive media environment.

Sophal, a reporter and video producer, published a personal video on social media in late January 2026 discussing alleged shortfalls in water supplies allocated to military units at a time when civilians also face shortages in several provinces. In the video, he questioned how resources were being distributed and called on officials to ensure equitable access to water.

Shortly after posting the video, Sophal was detained by police and held for questioning under provisions of Cambodia’s penal code used to address statements deemed to “damage national security or public order.” Authorities did not immediately detail specific charges, but local and international press freedom groups said the legal basis appeared to be overly broad and lacked clear evidence of criminal wrongdoing, instead serving as a mechanism to curb reporting on sensitive topics.

During his detention, Sophal was reportedly urged by authorities to apologise publicly and to retract his statements about the water shortage. Rights advocates say this reflects a pattern in which journalists are pressured to amend critical reporting under threat of legal consequences, a practice that can chill investigative journalism and constrain public scrutiny of government actions.

Press freedom organisations, including IFEX and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the detention and called for Sophal’s immediate release, saying that reporting on essential services such as water supply is clearly within the public interest. They urged Cambodian authorities to cease using broad criminal provisions to silence journalists and to adopt legal safeguards that respect freedom of expression.

The case adds to growing concerns about the legal environment for journalists in Cambodia, where media professionals have faced detention, harassment, and charges tied to reporting on corruption, public policy, and civic issues. Advocates argue that such actions not only undermine press freedom but also hinder transparency and accountability in governance.

As of early February 2026, Sophal’s legal status remained unclear, with reports indicating he had been released from custody but was potentially still subject to legal proceedings or pressure to comply with government demands regarding his reporting.

Reference –

Cambodian journalist Luot Sophal detained over military water shortage report

https://ifex.org/cambodian-journalist-luot-sophal-detained-over-military-water-shortage-report/#:~:text=Sophal%20was%20arrested%20after%20publishing%20a%20video%20on%20his%20personal,and%20apologize%20in%20a%20video.