Details case of media violation in Kampong Chhnang

Location Kampong Chhnang
Date of Event May 11, 2021
Last Update May 11, 2021
# of journalist(s) who were harassed or allegedly harassed 1
Summary

On 11 May, Khut Sokun, a VOD Khmer reporter, had his material confiscated while he was covering a land dispute at the border between Kampong Chhnang and Pursat provinces. An eyewitness said authorities took his phone and deleted pictures before it was returned to him. He was questioned and told not to take more pictures of the protest scene. Khut Sokun also said his notebook and recorder were confiscated: the recording he had made of the Pursat deputy governor's speech was deleted and the notes he had taken were torn up. His material was only returned to him once the meeting between authorities and the protesters was finished. The Pursat deputy governor, Cheng Lay, said authorities had only confiscated his equipment to make sure his information was clear, as reporting land issues could cause trouble: “We gave [the equipment] back to him, and I have explained and instructed him to understand and write good news. Write what I say. It will not be wrong”. One of Khut Sokun's colleagues who interviewed Cheng Lay later told him the deputy governor informally said that his reporting had caused incitement among the villagers, a serious charge. After hearing this, Sokun said he was now scared to report about land disputes in that area and that he was worried for his safety and security.

References VOD | VOD