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The Information Ministry revoked the press card of a self-styled online reporter on Wednesday after a video surfaced showing him physically harassing a woman in custody.
She is a suspected accomplice in a failed escape by Vietnamese nationals accused of running an online scam ring, who fired at police the day before while being transported to Svay Rieng court.
Khan Sarath, a reporter for Kdam Krorhom, a Facebook-based news page, filmed himself harassing the woman, who is also a Vietnamese national but has not been named by authorities, in the back of a police truck among officers and other reporters. The video quickly circulated on social media Tuesday.
The Information Ministry said it investigated the incident before revoking Sarath’s press card, saying he committed a “serious professional mistake” and violated the government’s Journalism Charter.
“The Ministry of Information has placed this person on a list of individuals prohibited from engaging in any business or activities in the field of information and broadcasting,” the statement said.
It is unclear whether any police officers shown in the video are facing internal investigations for potential misconduct.
Sarath was questioned at a Svay Rieng provincial police station on Wednesday afternoon, Information Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith said.
Yim Saren, the publisher for Kdam Krorhom, told CamboJA news that he was disappointed in the reporter’s conduct, and acknowledged Sarath’s wrongdoing. He added that Sarath had only worked for the outlet for about five months.
Gender rights groups have since spoken out about the incident, calling it a serious violation of the woman’s dignity, rights and safety while in custody.
“It undermines trust in both the media and in public institutions responsible for protecting rights,” said Eng Chandy, executive director of Gender and Development for Cambodia, referring to the actions seen in the video. “It reinforces systemic inequalities by signalling that women’s bodies are open to ridicule or commentary, even during legal proceedings.”
Independent media groups have also expressed disapproval, highlighting the growing problem of untrained journalists in Cambodia’s already limited independent media landscape.
“It’s clear we have an issue with the growing number of online journalists,” said Cambodia Center for Independent Media executive director Chhan Sokunthea. “Many still have no training on the code of conduct.”
“When journalists behave unethically, it damages public trust and affects the reputation of the whole media sector,” she said.
As attention shifts to the media misconduct, the suspects in Tuesday’s foiled escape attempt are continuing to be questioned by Svay Rieng police, the provincial court spokesperson said.
(Additional reporting by Sok Sreymey)
