A Cambodian freelance reporter known for his fearless investigative journalism has been arrested amid concerns about press freedom in the country. Mech Dara was detained by military police, as reported by a prominent local human rights organization and a journalists’ association, although the specific charges against him and his current location remain undisclosed.
Mech Dara has gained recognition for his in-depth reporting on human trafficking linked to online scam operations. These scams often involve individuals being held in virtual slavery within compounds, where they are forced to target people globally through various online schemes.
His arrest comes shortly after he made posts regarding a rock quarry, which local officials have criticized as an attempt to incite dissent among the public. This incident raises significant concerns about the state of journalism and freedom of expression in Cambodia, a country where press freedom is already severely restricted.