Social observers in Cambodia say the government’s legal action against a journalist who reported on conditions at the border risks undermining national unity and exposing the country to ridicule from Thailand.
Man Nat, president of the Cambodian Watch Council, told The Cambodia Daily that the charge of incitement to discrimination against journalist Luot Sophal is excessive and runs counter to the spirit of the constitution and international principles on freedom of expression and press freedom in Cambodia.
He described the move as deeply embarrassing for the nation, arguing that the government should refrain from suppressing its own citizens, particularly at a time of heightened tensions along the Thai border. According to him, the reporting in question did not warrant criminal punishment.
Man Nat called on the government and the provincial court in Oddar Meanchey to release Luot Sophal unconditionally. He said national reconciliation and unity should be prioritised over arrests related to public commentary. He added that if the government seeks genuine unity in the face of alleged Thai encroachment, it should free all prisoners of conscience in accordance with the law and rally national strength.
On February 7, Luot Sophal livestreamed a video on his Facebook account, Sophal Osmach, from O Kla Khmum village in O Smach commune, Samraong city, Oddar Meanchey province. The video, titled Not Even Water, described a shortage of drinking water among frontline troops stationed near the border.
Six days later, on February 13, police and military police officers arrested him at his home in Chamkar Chek village, also in O Smach commune.
On February 14, the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Court issued a statement saying prosecutors had found that the Facebook post and comments in the video were intended to damage troop morale and had the character of incitement. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors charged Luot Sophal under Articles 476 and 495 of the Criminal Code for undermining military morale and incitement to commit a felony, in connection with the February 7 broadcast.
The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association, known as Adhoc, said on February 14 that it was closely monitoring the case.
Adhoc noted that in less than two months at the start of 2026, four journalists have been arrested. They include Hem Vanna, publisher of the online outlet HVNN, Prom Sophai, a correspondent for Koh Santepheap newspaper in Takeo province, and Seang Bunsong, publisher of Sunday News.
Rights groups say the case highlights growing pressure on independent media at a time when border tensions remain high.
