Reporter who exposed ‘scam compounds’ bailed after video apology
A Cambodian investigative journalist who uncovers human trafficking and corruption and was arrested for creating social unrest has been freed from jail after the government released a video in which he apologised for posting “false” information.
Mech Dara had been held in pre-trial detention since October 1 and faces up to two years in prison, but was bailed after the government released a video of him apologising.
His arrest drew concern from rights groups and the US government.
In its October 1 decision, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said Dara, who has worked for local and international media, had posted “provocative” and “false” messages and pictures about a rock quarry on a sacred mountain.
Dara spoke briefly to reporters outside the Kandal provincial jail before leaving in a vehicle.
He thanked civil society groups and embassies for helping to facilitate his release.
“I am very thankful to everyone and to all my friends, both local and international, who did everything to support and help me to be released,” Dara said.
Dara received a hero award last year from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, recognising his work exposing the existence of massive scam compounds staffed mostly by trafficked workers in Cambodia, and the US embassy had called for his release.
Washington’s top aid official, Samantha Power, who announced more than $US38 million ($A57 million) in new US funding for projects in Cambodia during a visit this week, said she had met with Dara’s family and raised his case with Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Power, the US Agency for International Development’s administrator, welcomed his release on bail on Thursday.
“We continue to seek a quick and fair resolution to his ordeal,” she added in a post on X.
On Wednesday, Cambodia’s information minister shared with journalists a video of Dara wearing prison garb and apologising.
Stay informed, daily
It was accompanied by images of a handwritten three-page letter the minister said was from the journalist.
“In all the messages that I posted, I conveyed false information that affected the leaders and the country’s reputation. I sincerely apologise for my mistakes and promise to stop sharing such harmful content,” Dara said in the video.
Rights groups say press freedom and democracy have been backsliding in Cambodia for many years.
– AAP
