Detention, Intimidation and Content Removal Mark Continued Pressure on Journalists
CamboJA’s monitoring report for the second quarter of 2026 documents 12 violations against journalists in Cambodia, all linked to journalistic activities. The cases represent a 9% increase from the 11 violations recorded in the previous quarter.
Legal intimidation and restrictions on freedom of expression remained major concerns, each accounting for 33% of the documented violations. Physical and psychological harm each accounted for 17%. Four journalists experienced direct threats to their legal safety, including brief detention, police questioning, and arrest. Journalists also faced physical assault, threats of harm, denial of access, warnings to stop reporting, and forced removal of journalistic content.
Four of the documented violations occurred after news reports had been published or posted on social media, while eight incidents took place while journalists were covering event or during field reporting.
Most violations occurred in Phnom Penh (67%), while eight incidents happened during field reporting or event coverage, including three cases involving coverage of public protests. Online journalists were the most frequently affected, reflecting growing risks associated with digital reporting and online surveillance.
State actors were allegedly responsible for eight of the 12 cases, while three involved private individuals and one involved an unidentified perpetrator. The incidents arose from reporting on issues including online scams, corruption, human rights, and environmental concerns. The violations resulted in impacts ranging from psychological distress and restrictions on movement to self-censorship, forced apologies, admissions of wrongdoing, and removal of journalistic content.
Types and frequency of human rights violations and acts recorded (April-June)
| Type of human rights violation | Acts included | Type of act | Number of violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right to psychological integrity | Acts connected to journalistic activity intended to induce fear or emotional distress | Intimidation | 2 |
| Right to physical security | Acts connected to journalistic activity causing (attack) bodily harm or intending to (threat) cause bodily harm | Assault | 1 |
| Threat of physical harm | 1 | ||
| Right to due process and liberty | Arbitrary legal acts against liberty intended to discourage, restrict or control journalistic expression. | Detention | 3 |
| Summons/interrogation | 1 | ||
| Other violations against right to freedom of expression | Acts constituting censorship or control of journalistic expression not covered elsewhere | Denial of access | 2 |
| Blocking or removal of content | 2 |
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