Cambodian Journalist’s Killer Sentenced in Rare Justice Ruling

Cambodian journalist Chhoeung Chhoeng’s killer was jailed, a rare win for press freedom.

In December 2024, Cambodian environmental journalist Chhoeung Chhoeng, aged 63, was shot while investigating illegal logging in Siem Reap province. He worked for the Khmer-language newspaper Kampuchea Aphiwat and had built a reputation for exposing corruption and environmental crimes tied to deforestation. After being rushed to the hospital, Chhoeng succumbed to his injuries three days later, making him the latest journalist in Cambodia killed for pursuing stories that challenge powerful networks involved in land exploitation.

In June 2025, a Cambodian court handed down a 12-year prison sentence to Sy Loeuy, the man convicted of carrying out Chhoeng’s murder. Alongside the prison term, Loeuy was ordered to pay roughly US$13,500 in compensation to Chhoeng’s widow, Chiev Chap. The verdict marked a rare moment of accountability in a country where violence against journalists is often met with impunity. For many, the case recalls the killing of journalist Taing Try in 2014, also linked to illegal logging, which until now stood as one of the few cases where justice was pursued.

Press freedom advocates have hailed the conviction as a rare victory. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders stressed that the decision demonstrates that Cambodia can hold perpetrators of violence against journalists accountable. Yet, the response from Chhoeng’s family has been more muted. His widow expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, arguing that it was far too lenient considering the irreversible loss. “One person lives and one is dead,” she said, underscoring the imbalance between the punishment and the gravity of the crime.

While the verdict offers a measure of justice, it also highlights systemic issues. Journalists in Cambodia, especially those investigating land rights and environmental exploitation, continue to face serious risks. Advocacy groups warn that without stronger protections and consistent enforcement of the law, such attacks will persist. Chhoeng’s case, while groundbreaking in its outcome, is ultimately a reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Cambodia.

To read the full story: https://tjcproject.org/cambodian-journalists-killer-sentenced-marking-rare-victory-for-press-freedom