Two Cambodian journalists sentenced to 14 years for treason last December, in a same-day trial and conviction not previously reported, filed an appeal Monday, a spouse said.
Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, who work for local outlet TSP 68 TV Online, were arrested separately in July 2025 after returning from a reporting trip in Oddar Meanchey province. They were charged with “supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence,” a treason offense carrying seven to 15 years in prison.
It is unclear which of their posts triggered the charges, but both reporters were photographed with Cambodian soldiers in front of Ta Krabei Temple allegedly after a ceasefire. Thai media later circulated the image, alleging it showed unplaced landmines.
Their jailing came shortly before a flurry of detentions of other journalists covering border tensions and online scam operations, raising concerns among press freedom groups.
Lawyer Un Chanthol confirmed that the Siem Reap Provincial Court sentenced both his clients to 14 years in prison on Dec. 17, but declined to comment further.
Siem Reap Court spokesperson Yin Srang said a statement would be issued soon but declined follow-up questions.
Pheara’s wife, Om Sarath, called the sentence “unacceptable” and said her husband is innocent. She said the lawyer has filed an appeal in Battambang province.
“It is unjust. They accused him based on a photograph, claiming it was related to treason,” she said, before describing the hardship her family faces in his absence, including supporting their two young daughters.
Spokesperson for the Information Ministry Tep Asnarith said the ministry has not received information about the convictions, but said it is ready to provide legal assistance.
Information Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith said the ministry has not received details on the convictions but is ready to provide legal assistance.
“I would like to additionally appeal to all reporters, both professional and non-professional, to carry out their work with high responsibility, respect for the law and ethics, to maintain national security and ensure order, stability, and social security, especially in times of national crisis,” he said.
Cambodian Journalist Alliance Association executive director Nop Vy called on the court to drop the charges and allow the journalists to continue reporting.
“This is the first time that journalists have been sentenced to 14 years in prison because of their roles,” he said.
Chhan Sokhunthea, executive director of the Cambodia Center for Independent Media, echoed the call, noting concern over the use of criminal charges against journalists instead of compliant procedures established under Cambodia’s Press Law.
