Cambodian Journalist’s Killer Sentenced, Marking Rare Victory for Press Freedom

June 10, 2025 – Cambodia – 

Cambodian court sentenced Sy Loeuy to 12 years in prison for the murder of environmental journalist Chhoeung Chhoeng. The 63-year-old journalist, who worked for the Khmer-language newspaper Kampuchea Aphiwat, was shot on December 4, 2024, in Siem Reap province while investigating illegal logging operations. Chhoeng succumbed to his injuries three days later in the hospital. The case drew national and international attention, particularly due to the long-standing risks faced by journalists reporting on environmental and land issues in Cambodia.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Loeuy to pay approximately $13,500 (55 million riel) in compensation to Chhoeng’s widow, Chiev Chap. While press freedom organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed the conviction as a positive step toward ending impunity for violence against journalists, Chhoeng’s family expressed disappointment at the sentence, feeling it was too lenient given the gravity of the crime. “Twelve years is too light – it’s not enough. One person lives and one is dead,” said his widow, highlighting the emotional and financial toll on the family.

This conviction marks the first time in more than a decade that a Cambodian journalist’s killer has been held accountable. The last comparable case occurred in 2014 with the murder of reporter Taing Try, which also stemmed from coverage of illegal logging. Cambodia has long been criticized for its failure to protect journalists, particularly those investigating sensitive environmental crimes that often implicate powerful interests.

RSF and other advocates have urged Cambodian authorities to go further, calling for comprehensive reforms to protect journalists and fully dismantle the networks behind illegal logging and land grabbing. They emphasized that while the conviction is a rare victory for press freedom, it must not remain an isolated case. Greater systemic change is needed to safeguard reporters who risk their lives to expose corruption and environmental destruction.

The sentencing of Sy Loeuy represents a milestone, but press freedom defenders stress that true justice will require consistent enforcement of laws and broader protections for journalists working in dangerous conditions across Cambodia.

Reference – 

https://rsf.org/en/justice-served-rsf-hails-conviction-murder-cambodian-journalist-chhoeung-chhoeng

Cambodian journalist Chhoeung Chheng’s killer sentenced to 12 years in prison