An online journalist who actively reported on environmental and deforestation issues in Kampong Thom province was sentenced to one year in prison for “incitement to discrimination” under Article 496 of the Criminal Code, said Kampong Thom Provincial Court deputy prosecutor Phay Tong Hour.
However, as he had already served five months and 15 days since his detention, the rest of the sentence was suspended but he will be placed under supervision for three years, according to the court decision viewed by CamboJA.
The case was heard by the Kampong Thom Provincial Court on November 6, 2024, and the verdict was given the next day. He was released on November 8, 2024.
Sochea was arrested on May 24, 2024 and detained two days later following a lawsuit filed in court against him by the Provincial Environmental Department on May 20 for incitement and defamation. He allegedly produced a live video criticizing the environmental department director and the authority for their alleged involvement in deforestation activities in the province.
It is understood that this is not Sochea’s first court case. Last year, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on charge of extortion after reporting an illegal logging but was released on bail.
In the November 6 trial, Sochea’s lawyer, who was provided by rights group Adhoc, said his client apologized to the plaintiff in writing and video, which were submitted to the court.
