**Difficult Times for Journalists in Cambodia: A Veteran’s New Path**
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — It is increasingly challenging for journalists in Cambodia, where the government is known to suppress independent media and discourage questioning of authority. Veteran investigative journalist Mech Dara recently experienced this firsthand when he was jailed on felony charges related to posts he made on social media.
On Tuesday, Dara announced his decision to shift careers and become a farmer. In a statement made public last month by various Cambodian media and civil society organizations, he was celebrated as a courageous investigative journalist who spent the last decade revealing issues such as corruption, environmental degradation, and human trafficking associated with scam operations throughout Cambodia. His work has consistently aimed at promoting accountability and justice within society.
Now released on bail, Dara expressed to reporters that he intends to leave journalism and cultivate vegetables in his hometown located in Kandal province, just a short distance south of Phnom Penh. Besides farming, he plans to explore selling coconuts and other goods, indicating a drastic change in both lifestyle and profession.
Recalling his past, Dara noted that he dedicated 12 years to journalism, working for notable publications like the Cambodia Daily and the Phnom Penh Post—two former leading English-language newspapers that were shut down amid government pressure—as well as the Voice of Democracy radio station and website, which was also targeted by governmental actions last year. At 36, he had transitioned to freelance reporting following these experiences.
“I had intended to continue my work as a journalist for many more years,” he reflected, “and to navigate all the challenges I would encounter.” However, a stint in jail and the grim outlook of his legal situation prompted him to reconsider. The Cambodian government has been frequently accused of manipulating the judicial system to target dissenters and political adversaries.
Dara’s arrest happened on September 30, when military police took him into custody at a toll booth while he was returning home from a family outing at the beach. He was charged the following day with inciting a felony or causing social disorder based on his online postings made in late September, a charge that could lead to a prison sentence of six months to two years and hefty fines.
He described his initial interrogation as harrowing, characterized by the handcuffs and the armed officers accompanying him, as he was subjected to threats during questioning. His situation worsened after being transferred to pre-trial detention in Kandal provincial prison, where he faced overcrowding, inadequate food, and sleepless nights for over three weeks. He witnessed violent encounters among prisoners and became aware of several health crises among them, which led him to question his own survival.
Dara’s health, particularly due to pre-existing conditions like Hepatitis B, heightened his worries in such an environment. Simultaneously, he recognized that the chances of sustaining a career in journalism were diminishing, particularly for freelancers struggling to gain proper accreditation from the Ministry of Information.
A significant shift occurred on October 23, when a pro-government media outlet aired a video of him wearing an orange prison uniform, extending apologies to Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now serving as president of the Senate. This moment came as Hun Manet took over leadership from his father last year, yet he has shown similar intolerance towards criticism.
In a brief video, Dara admitted to sharing five instances of false information that negatively impacted Cambodia and its leadership, vowing not to repeat such actions moving forward. He was released on bail the following day.
Recently, Hun Manet shared on social media two photos featuring himself and Dara, one showing them embracing and the other depicting a face-to-face conversation. In his post, Hun Manet mentioned their discussion on freedom of expression and the ethical responsibilities of journalists to disseminate accurate information.
Since his release, Dara has refrained from making any posts on his social media platforms, indicating his desire to step back from the public eye for the time being.