Environmental journalist Uk Mao was released on bail on May 25, 2025, according to the release order issued by the investigating judge of the Stung Treng Provincial Court .
Ek Socheat, Mao’s wife, confirmed his release. Mao was charges with incitement to commit a felony and public defamation. He is currently facing up to 15 pending legal cases.
Mr. Uk Mao was arrested without a warrant at his home on May 16, 2025, and placed in pre-trial detention. His arrest sparked widespread public outcry and strong reactions from civil society organizations as well as local and international media associations, all calling for his immediate release.
On May 22, the Ministry of Information issued a statement accusing civil society groups and media associations advocating for Uk Mao’s release of pursuing a political agenda that negatively portrays press freedom in Cambodia. The Ministry asserted that Mao does not hold a press card issued by the Ministry and alleged that his actions violated the professional code of ethics for journalists.