Two Cambodian journalists sentenced to 14 years for treason final December, in a same-day trial and conviction not beforehand reported, filed an enchantment Monday, a partner mentioned.
Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, who work for native outlet TSP 68 TV On-line, had been arrested individually in July 2025 after coming back from a reporting journey in Oddar Meanchey province. They had been charged with “supplying a overseas state with data prejudicial to nationwide defence,” a treason offense carrying seven to fifteen years in jail.
It’s unclear which of their posts triggered the costs, however each reporters had been photographed with Cambodian troopers in entrance of Ta Krabei Temple allegedly after a ceasefire. Thai media later circulated the picture, alleging it confirmed unplaced landmines.
Their jailing got here shortly earlier than a flurry of detentions of different journalists masking border tensions and on-line rip-off operations, elevating issues amongst press freedom teams.
Lawyer Un Chanthol confirmed that the Siem Reap Provincial Court docket sentenced each his purchasers to 14 years in jail on Dec. 17, however declined to remark additional.
Siem Reap Court docket spokesperson Yin Srang mentioned an announcement could be issued quickly however declined follow-up questions.
Pheara’s spouse, Om Sarath, referred to as the sentence “unacceptable” and mentioned her husband is harmless. She mentioned the lawyer has filed an enchantment in Battambang province.
“It’s unjust. They accused him primarily based on {a photograph}, claiming it was associated to treason,” she mentioned, earlier than describing the hardship her household faces in his absence, together with supporting their two younger daughters.
Spokesperson for the Data Ministry Tep Asnarith mentioned the ministry has not obtained details about the convictions, however mentioned it is able to present authorized help.
Data Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith mentioned the ministry has not obtained particulars on the convictions however is able to present authorized help.
“I want to moreover enchantment to all reporters, each skilled and non-professional, to hold out their work with excessive accountability, respect for the legislation and ethics, to keep up nationwide safety and guarantee order, stability, and social safety, particularly in occasions of nationwide disaster,” he mentioned.
Cambodian Journalist Alliance Affiliation government director Nop Vy referred to as on the courtroom to drop the costs and permit the journalists to proceed reporting.
“That is the primary time that journalists have been sentenced to 14 years in jail due to their roles,” he mentioned.
Chhan Sokhunthea, government director of the Cambodia Middle for Impartial Media, echoed the decision, noting concern over using prison fees towards journalists as a substitute of compliant procedures established below Cambodia’s Press Regulation.
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