Media groups are demanding swift justice after journalist Chhoeung Chhoeng was shot dead covering forest crimes in Siem Reap province, with his suspected killer now in custody and questions over possible surgery delays.
“This horrific murder follows years of vilification, threats and imprisonment of journalists in Cambodia, increasing the impunity around crimes against them,” local and regional media groups, including the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA) and the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia, said in a joint statement.
Chhoeung Chhoeng, 63, a longtime reporter for digital news site Kampuchea Aphiwat, was shot by Sy Loeuy, a woodworker and suspected illegal logger – now in custody – on December 4 while investigating forest crimes in a northwest district of Siem Reap.
Chhoeng died from his wounds three days later.
Loeuy confessed he shot Chhoeng over extortion, saying the journalist demanded money to prevent him from publishing damaging photos and stories about him.
The killing is the first of a Cambodian journalist since 2014, when investigative reporter Taing Try was killed while also reporting on illegal logging.
According to the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, at least 15 journalists have been killed in Cambodia since 1994, with twelve of them reporting on sensitive issues at the time of their deaths.
“But documented cases of harassment against journalists have surged over 2024 compared to 2023 and we urge the government to ensure the rights of journalists are protected,” wrote the press advocacy groups in their statement.
The harassment surge has mostly targeted journalists reporting on issues such as environmental crime, corruption and human trafficking. At least 17 journalists faced legal intimidation and physical threats from July to September, according to a quarterly report from CamboJA.
While the suspected killer is in custody on murder charges after confessing to shooting Chhoeng with a homemade firearm, press freedom groups remain steadfast in pressing authorities to enforce the rule of law and take strong action to prevent more violence against journalists.
“This murder is appalling and demands a strong response. We call on Cambodian authorities to ensure that all parties responsible for the attack are severely punished,” said Cédric Alviani, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director of Reporters Without Borders, in a statement.on Sunday.
In the past two years, Cambodia fell nine places in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, ranking 151 out of 180.
Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, praised provincial authorities for swiftly arresting the suspect, calling Chhoeng’s death “heartbreaking news.” He did not respond to questions about steps the ministry is taking to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
As Chhoeng’s death gains international attention, questions have emerged among his family about a potential delay in a life-saving surgery.
Chhoeng, shot in the abdomen, contacted his wife, who took him to a local health center hours after the shooting. There, he received an intravenous drip before being transferred to Soutr Nikum District Hospital and then to Siem Reap Provincial Referral Hospital, arriving at 11 p.m., hours after being wounded. It wasn’t until the following afternoon on December 5, did Chhoeng undergo surgery.
“We waited a long time. If the surgery had been performed quickly, he might have survived,” said Chiev Chap, Chhoeng’s wife.
Pen Phalkun, director of Siem Reap Provincial Referral Hospital, told CamboJA News that doctors closely monitored Chhoeng before an unsuccessful five hour surgery, adding that he died from severe internal organ damage.
“There was no delay. We needed to be clear about the next steps because surgery isn’t something we perform hastily. We carefully examined him,” he said.
Rin Sareth, Chhoeng’s colleague and an online publisher for Kampuchea Apiwath, could not be reached for comment about the attack.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue following Chhoeng’s death, authorities will face mounting pressure from advocacy groups to ensure the crime is fully prosecuted. Meanwhile, concerns over the escalating threats to press freedom in Cambodia remain under scrutiny.
“We are saddened by what has happened and it has negatively impacted all journalists, especially investigative journalists,” said CamboJA executive director Nop Vy.
