14-Year Sentence for Two Cambodian Journalists on Rebellion Charges After Taking Photo with Soldiers

On February 20, Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, two local journalists from TSP 68 TV Online, were sentenced to 14 years in prison on rebellion charges related to reporting on Thai-Cambodian border conflict. In July last year, they traveled to Oddar Meanchey province to cover border tensions and took a photo with Cambodian military personnel near Ta Kwai Temple. However, their photograph was near an unexploded landmine, which generated significant media controversy after the 'ceasefire' announcement. They were subsequently arrested and charged with 'providing dangerous information to foreign states', a rebellion offense carrying 7-15 years imprisonment. The journalists' lawyer, Un Chanthol, confirmed the court's decision on December 17. Pheap Pheara's wife, Om Sarath, insisted her husband was innocent and has filed an appeal, claiming the charges are unjust. The Information Ministry spokesperson stated they are ready to provide legal assistance, while the journalists' association called for the charges to be dropped, noting this is the first time journalists have been sentenced to 14 years for professional activities.