Asean MPs: Free Cambodian journo who exposed scam compounds

The Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) group has issued an urgent plea for the immediate release of Cambodian journalist Mech Dara.

In a statement, APHR chairperson Mercy Chriesty Barends demanded that the Cambodian government act swiftly to free the award-winning journalist who was arrested on Monday (Sept 30).

“The Cambodian government must release Dara immediately and unconditionally.

“The government must ensure his safety and well-being,” stressed Mercy, who is an MP from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.

Dara (above), widely recognised for his groundbreaking investigative work on human trafficking, was travelling with his family when he was arrested by the Cambodian military police in the Srae Ambel district of Koh Kong province.

BBC reported that Dara was stopped at a highway toll booth near the border between the Koh Kong and Sihanouk provinces.

It was also reported that his whereabouts were unknown for nearly 24 hours before he appeared in court in Phnom Penh, where he was charged with incitement to commit a felony.

Elaborating further, Barends said Dara, who is currently being held at the Kandal Provincial Prison, was charged under Articles 494 and 495 of the Cambodian Criminal Code for his social media posts on Sept 20, 23, 26, 28, and 29, 2024.

The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of two years.

Last year, Dara’s outstanding work earned him the prestigious Hero Award from the US government, recognising his bravery in journalism.

One of his most impactful investigations exposed the dark underbelly of online scam compounds, revealing widespread exploitation and human trafficking in Cambodia.

Meanwhile, APHR board member Arlene D Brosas reminded the Cambodian government of its duty to protect freedom of expression and the press under international law.

Brosas, a member of the Philippines’ House of Representatives, highlighted that the media is a key part of democracy, crucial for defending human rights and promoting transparency.

“Freedom of expression, including press freedom, is a fundamental right enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“Article 19 of the ICCPR guarantees the right of individuals and journalists to seek, receive, and impart information without undue interference.

“As a state party to the ICCPR, Cambodia has an international obligation to respect, protect, and uphold the right to freedom of expression, including press freedom,” she stressed.

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