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Phon Yuth, an outspoken activist from Takeo province long critical of the government, was arrested on Wednesday for unclear reasons, his wife and a rights group said.
The detention by Takeo authorities was Yuth’s third since 2019, when he was imprisoned for 18 months for “incitement to discrimination” after posting criticism of then-Prime Minister Hun Sen on Facebook.
He was later arrested in March 2024 and charged again with incitement shortly after posting a video criticizing Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father in 2023. Yuth served more than a year in prison before being released in September this year.
Yuth, who has a disability, was arrested at his home in Takeo’s Traing district on the morning of Oct. 29, according to the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (Adhoc), after sharing opinions on social issues on social media.
Sao Sarun, spokesperson for the Takeo Provincial Police, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Yuth’s wife, Mom Vit, who is also a disabled person, said she does not know why her husband was arrested or where he is being held.
Police officers arrived at their home without explanation, arresting Yuth and confiscating all their phones, Vit said. The devices were returned to her on Thursday afternoon, but she said authorities gave her no information on his whereabouts despite repeated questions.
“I don’t know what he did wrong. They took him quietly without saying anything or telling me where he was. I just want him to be released,” she said. “I stay at home raising chickens and taking care of my children. Now I have a problem with my husband. I’m alone and miserable.”
Yin Mengly, spokesperson for Adhoc, said the organization has not received any official information about the case but is investigating. He added that Yuth frequently shared critical views on social issues on Facebook, though it is unclear which post prompted his arrest.
Ly Sothearayuth, secretary general of the opposition Candlelight Party, which Yuth supports, condemned his arrest and called for his immediate release.
“It’s truly unfair for Phon Yuth, a person with a disability, to be arrested simply for expressing his opinions on social media,” he said. He added that in any country that upholds democratic principles, it is normal and healthy for citizens to voice opinions that differ from the government’s.
“Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy. Critical opinions should not be censored or punished,” he said, reiterating his call for Yuth’s release.
