Phnom Penh, Sep 15, 2025 – Media and civil society organisations, including human rights defenders, that advocate for freedom of expression and press freedom, express deep concern over treason charges brought against two journalists, Phorn Sopheap of Battambang Post and Pheap Pheara of TSP 68 TV Online, in connection with their social media posts from the Cambodia–Thailand border.
The two journalists were separately arrested on July 31 in border provinces where tensions and clashes have flared between the two countries. They were later transferred to the Siem Reap Provincial Court before being placed in pre-trail detention at a local prison.
On September 10, the Siem Reap Provincial Court issued a statement announcing that the two journalists had been arrested on “suspicion of gathering information” and “photographing a prohibited military zone near a battlefield,” accusations the court claimed could undermine national defense.
The alleged photographing of a prohibited military zone took place in Oddar Meanchey province sometime between July 25-31. The pair were ultimately charged with “supplying a foreign state with information deemed harmful to national defense,” under Article 445 of Cambodia’s criminal code.
The court did not specify which social media posts led to the accusations. However, local rights group LICADHO noted that both journalists were featured in a photograph alongside several Cambodian soldiers in front of Ta Krabei Temple, allegedly taken after the ceasefire on July 28. The photo was widely republished by Thai media outlets, which alleged that it showed unplaced landmines in the background.
The use of treason charges against journalists raises serious concerns about restrictions on press freedom. Arresting and prosecuting journalists while they are conducting their work undermines the public’s right to be informed and raises fears of reprisal among other journalists who intend to report from border regions.
We call on the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant authorities to:
- Immediately release the two journalists and drop all charges against them.
- Provide clear guidance on restricted or prohibited areas for reporting, particularly in border or conflict zones, so that journalists can carry out their professional duties without fear of reprisal.
At the same time, we urge all journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethics andprofessionalism when reporting in sensitive areas, ensuring accuracy, responsibility and adherence to journalistic principles.
The statement is jointly endorsed by:
- Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA)
- Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
- Communication and Media Promotion Organization (CMPO)
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
- Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) (Malaysia)
- Alliance Independent Journalists (AJI) (Indonesia)
- Prachatai (Thailand)
- Gerakan Media Merdek (Geramm) (Malaysia)
- Association Journalist Timor Leste (AJTL)
