Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

Award-Winning Journalist Mech Dara Released on Bail After Public Apology

Mech Dara, a journalist, was released on bail from Kandal provincial prison on Thursday, after his apology last night to Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)
Mech Dara, a journalist, was released on bail from Kandal provincial prison on Thursday, after his apology last night to Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)

Mech Dara, an award-winning Cambodian journalist, was released on bail from Kandal provincial prison on October 24 at 12 p.m, following his public apology for posting fake news. He expressed uncertainty about continuing his journalism career, stating that he needed time to recover both physically and mentally.

“I am happy to be out, but my health is still weak,” he said. “My mind seems stuck. I will take a break from journalism for a while to rebuild my health.” 

However, Dara still hopes that he would be able to continue his journalism career in the future to serve the public.

Dara also expressed his gratitude, saying that he was thankful to the leaders who forgave him, as well as to the relevant organizations, embassies, and friends who supported him and helped secure his release on bail.

“I am grateful to everyone who helped with my release, including friends, leaders, and everyone who supported me,” he said.

After leaving the prison, Dara visited Nikrot Vorn Pagoda (Koul Toteng) to receive a blessing from the monk. 

Dara was arrested on September 30 on incitement charges related to social media posts he made earlier that month. Prior to Dara’s release on October 24 afternoon, his lawyer submitted an initial request to court to release him on bail on health grounds, but it was denied on October 18.

Dara’s public apology to Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet took place after his second round of questioning on the evening of October 23, which coincided with a visit by USAID Head Samantha Power to Cambodia. Following this, Dara’s lawyer, Duch Piseth, submitted a new bail request to Phnom Penh Municipal Court on the morning of October 24. 

Even as Dara was released, he remained under court supervision, with conditions attached to his release. He noted that he remembers two specific conditions. One was not to leave the country, and the other was to report to the commune police station once a month.

Mech Dara, a journalist, receives blessing from a monk at a pagoda after he was released on bail on Thursday. (CamboJA/Seoung Nimol)

Piseth told CamboJA News that as he has not received a copy of the warrant, he is unsure of the specific conditions under court supervision. Nonetheless, he expressed happiness at seeing Dara released and appreciated the authorities’ understanding.

He also mentioned that he will discuss the next steps with Dara to work toward having the charges dropped. However, for now, he wants Dara to have some time with his family so that his mental health improves.

“We will thoroughly review the case in detail and either request the charges be dropped or, if the case goes to trial, find a way to have the charges dropped,” Piseth added.

Dara’s sister, Mech Sereyrath, expressed relief and gratitude for her brother’s release on bail, saying that she never expected to see him in prison. However, she continues to advocate for the charges against him to be dropped.

“Releasing him on bail will help improve his health, which is our main concern,” she said. “But what we really want is for the charges to be dropped.”

Nop Vy, executive director of Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA), welcomed Dara’s release on bail and expressed optimism that the development could lead to the charges being dropped.

Vy added that the release was a result of contributions from relevant parties and the government’s understanding. 

“It is a sign to show that what Dara posted, even though those photos are not real, is not a big issue that can harm the country,” he said. 

“I will continue to push for the charges against Dara to be dropped so that he can have full freedom to continue his career, serve the public, and promote access to information for the people.”

Spokesperson of the Information Ministry Tep Asnarith expressed his support for the court’s decision and extended his congratulations to Dara on being released on bail. 

“I welcome the court’s decision and congratulate Dara on his release on bail,” he told CamboJA News. However, he added that the ministry will continue to monitor the case and further developments related to it.

Mech Dara, a journalist, was released on bail from Kandal provincial prison on Thursday, after his apology last night to Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)
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