Cambodian Reporter Charged Amidst Crackdown on Press Freedom

Investigative reporter Mech Dara, known for exposing corruption and human trafficking, has been charged with 'inciting social unrest' in Cambodia. His arrest has drawn international concern, including from the U.S. government. Dara faces up to two years in prison, a move seen as part of a broader clampdown on press freedom in the country.

A Cambodian court on Tuesday charged investigative reporter Mech Dara with 'inciting social unrest,' which could land him in prison for two years. Dara, acclaimed for his work in exposing corruption and human trafficking, was arrested on allegations of posting 'provocative' and 'false' information about a rock quarry on a sacred mountain.

According to a statement by civil society groups, Dara was detained by military police at a highway toll booth and is currently in pretrial detention. The arrest has triggered outcry from rights organizations and the international community, including the U.S. State Department, which expressed deep concern over the situation.

Mech Dara, who received a hero award last year from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is one of several journalists targeted under increasing restrictions on press freedom in Cambodia. His detention signals a worrying crackdown as the country's once-flourishing local media scene deteriorates under government pressure.

(With inputs from agencies.)