On 14 July 2021, Kao Piseth, a journalist who works for Siem Reap Breaking News in Battambang was arrested. Three phones, a car, and his news ID card were confiscated. His arrest came after he made numerous posts on his personal Facebook page in which he criticized the efficacy of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccines and the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and called for the ruling CPP to step down. He was sent to pre-trial detention the next day on 15 July 2021 and charged by the Battambang Provincial Court under Articles 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code for incitement to commit a felony and causing social unrest.