Freelance journalist Mech Dara was released on bail at noon on Thursday after apologizing to Hun Sen, the head of Senate, and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

At 10 a.m. on October 23, Dara’s lawyers received an invitation letter from the investigating judge for an immediate public hearing at 2 p.m.

On October 14, his lawyers submitted a letter to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court requesting for Dara’s release on bail but was rejected. The lawyers later filed a complaint to the investigation chamber against the Phnom Penh court’s decision.

In the minute-long video published by Fresh News at 8:39 p.m. on October 23, Dara said, “I would like to apologize to both leaders, Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet for my social media posts made on September 20, 23, 26, 28, and 29 showing photos of a local tourist attraction, Ba Phnom, which was destroyed.”

He continued, “All the posts I made are not true information, which affected the leadership and country. I apologize for the mistakes I made and I promise not to post any information which affected the leadership and the country.”

Award-winning journalist Mech Dara, who is known for his extensive reports on human trafficking and cyber scam compounds in Cambodia, was arrested on September 30, 2024, and placed in pre-trial detention at Kandal provincial prison on charges of incitement to disturb social security over social media posts.

Prior to Dara’s arrest, Prey Veng officials issued a statement on Facebook accusing Dara of wanting to “cause social disorder or confusion” after he posted a photo of quarry activities at Ba Phnom in Prey Veng province. The provincial administration also called on the Ministry of Information to take legal action against Dara.