Mech Dara (left) Cambodian Journalist receiving a hero award awarded by Anthony Blinken (right) United States Secretary of State
Mech Dara (left) Cambodian Journalist receiving a hero award awarded by Anthony Blinken (right) United States Secretary of StateReuters, Sarah Silbiger

Arrest of Prominent Cambodian Journalist Brings Light to Cyberslavery in Cambodia

Mech Dara's Detention Highlights Cambodia's Struggle with Cyber Scamming and Corruption
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Cambodian journalist Mech Dara, who was arrested in October for exposing Cambodia's cyber-scamming compounds, was recently released following his apology to government leaders. This arrest and subsequent forced apology highlights the Cambodian government's notorious suppression of independent reporting on corruption and cyber scamming.

Dara's Arrest

In early October, the award-winning Cambodian journalist was charged with incitement to commit a felony for his coverage at the forefront of investigating the country’s cyber security compounds. Dara was released on bail on the 24th of October following 3 weeks in jail and having provided a video apology to Cambodia’s former Prime Minister, Hun Sen, and to his son, the current Prime Minister, Hun Manet. The apology video saw Dara state that he “conveyed false information that affected the leaders of the country’s reputation.” 

Dara’s arrest stems from his reporting on the rise in industrial-scale scamming operations in Cambodia in recent years. This investigative work saw Dara receive a hero award from the United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in 2023 reflecting his vital role played in bringing this issue to light.

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