Home » Journalist Ouk Mao Arrested Over Environmental Reporting

Journalist Ouk Mao Arrested Over Environmental Reporting

Cambodian reporter detained after exposing illegal logging

by Sophia Bennett

BANGKOK (May 16, 2025) — Cambodian journalist Ouk Mao, known for his investigations into illegal logging, was arrested Friday by plainclothes officers in Stung Treng province, according to his wife and colleagues.

Mao, who has faced prior physical assaults and legal threats due to his reporting on environmental issues, was taken from his home by three men in an unmarked white Lexus around midday. His wife, Ek Cheat, said the officers did not present a warrant and claimed they needed Mao to speak with a superior about a land matter.

Later identified by colleagues as military police officers, the men brought Mao to the Stung Treng Provincial Gendarmerie Headquarters. By 10:30 p.m., Mao remained in Stung Treng provincial prison awaiting a court hearing, according to Cheat.

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom and human rights groups. Reporters Without Borders labeled the arrest “arbitrary” and called it a troubling escalation in the judicial harassment Mao has faced for reporting on environmental crimes in Cambodia, particularly in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mao’s legal troubles began in June 2024 after investigating land clearing in a protected forest. Following his collaboration with Mongabay, which exposed military-linked illegal logging, Mao was charged with illegally clearing forest land. In March 2025, he was physically assaulted—reportedly by a group that included a former police officer.

He currently faces additional charges of defamation and incitement, following interviews he gave to Radio Free Asia and Radio France International. His interview with RFI, posted shortly before his arrest, has been viewed over 65,000 times.

The arrest has sparked outrage online and concern from international watchdogs. Shawn Crispin of the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the arrest, calling for all charges to be dropped. “Harassing journalists for reporting on environmental issues is a bad look for Cambodia,” he said.

Nop Vy, director of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance (CamboJA), also called for Mao’s immediate release, warning that the arrest is a message to intimidate other journalists working on sensitive topics.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Information have not responded to requests for comment. The Stung Treng provincial prosecutor and local authorities have also declined to provide information.

The case comes amid increasing concerns over shrinking press freedom in Cambodia and ongoing efforts to suppress criticism of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

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