Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported Wednesday that Cambodian authorities arbitrarily arrested and charged up to 16 individuals for expressing their opinions on the border conflict with Thailand earlier this year.
Authorities allegedly arrested social media activists, members of an opposition party, and journalists who publicly criticized the Cambodian government’s handling of the conflict. One individual, activist Phon Yuth, was arrested at his home on October 29, while online personality Chheng Sreyrath, also known as Love Riya, was arrested and charged on August 14.
Journalists reporting on the border conflict have also been arrested, notably Phorn Sopheap of the Battambang Post and Pheap Pheara of TSP 68 TV Online. Both were charged with conspiracy under Article 445 for allegedly posting images standing with Cambodian soldiers near the Thai border.
Cambodian authorities charged arrested individuals with violating sections 494 and 495 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code, contending that arrestees are guilty of incitement. Charges were also brought under articles 496 and 472, which criminalize “demoralising the military.”
Bryony Lau, HRW deputy Asia director, argued that the border conflict is being used by Cambodian authorities deputy “as a pretext to intimidate people who freely express their views on social media and to harass critics of the government.”
Lau further stated, “Concerned foreign governments should urge Cambodian authorities to drop these baseless charges and release individuals unlawfully detained.”
Current Prime Minister Hun Manet has been previously criticized for harsh restrictions on freedom of the press and expression regarding the Cambodian government, which HRW describes as a “crack down on fundamental freedoms.”
The 16 individuals remain detained amid reports that Cambodian prisons are highly congested and provide insufficient care to inmates.
The border conflict between the Thailand and Cambodia started on July 24, with both sides alleging incitement of violence by the other.
