Cambodia Supreme Court Confirms Jail Terms for Two Reporters
Cambodia’s Supreme Court has upheld the convictions and 14-year prison sentences of two journalists accused of revealing military-related information during the country’s border conflict with Thailand. The ruling ends their latest appeal and leaves intact the lengthy prison terms handed down by lower courts.
The two reporters, Phorn Sopheap, 39, and Pheap Pheara, 41, worked for local online media organizations. They were arrested separately on July 31, 2025, after returning from reporting in Oddar Meanchey province, an area along the Cambodia-Thailand border where military clashes had taken place.
Court Says Convictions Are Supported by Cambodian Law
The journalists were convicted under Article 445 of Cambodia’s Criminal Code for supplying information considered harmful to national defense. A provincial court sentenced both men to 14 years in prison in December 2025, and an appeals court later upheld the verdict before the case reached the Supreme Court.
According to court proceedings, the case centered on photographs taken in a restricted military area during the border tensions. Authorities argued that the images and related information could affect Cambodia’s national security. The Supreme Court ruled that the convictions were legally justified, rejecting the journalists’ final appeal.
Press Freedom Concerns Grow After Verdict
The decision has sparked criticism from human rights organizations and media advocacy groups, which argue that the punishment is excessive and could discourage independent reporting. Several organizations have said the case should have been handled under Cambodia’s press law rather than criminal statutes involving national defense.
Cambodia’s government has defended the ruling, stating that while it recognizes the importance of a free press, journalists are still required to comply with laws protecting national security. Officials maintain that freedom of expression does not exempt anyone from criminal liability when state security is involved.
The case has attracted international attention as observers continue to monitor Cambodia’s balance between national security and media freedom.
