Bangkok, December 9, 2024—Cambodian authorities must launch a thorough investigation and deliver swift justice to the killer of environmental journalist Chhoeung Chheng, who was shot on December 4 and died from his injuries over the weekend, the Committee to Protect Journalists said.
“The wanton killing of journalist Chhoeung Chheng shows the grave danger environmental reporters face in Cambodia,” said Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative. “Until Cambodian authorities start protecting journalists who report on environmental issues, predators of the press will continue these types of assaults.”
Chhoeung Chheng, who reported for the local online Kampuchea Aphivath news site, was shot by an assailant while reporting on the transport of alleged illegally cut timber in the Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary in Siem Reap province. The reporter was shot in the abdomen while riding a motorcycle, the reports said.
The regional government announced it had arrested a suspect the day after the shooting. The Siem Reap provincial police chief told reporters the attack was related to a “personal dispute,” without specifying details.
Journalists who report on environmental issues face extraordinary danger in Cambodia. In 2014, independent reporter Taing Try was shot and killed while reporting on security forces’ alleged involvement in the country’s rampant illegal timber trade.
Award-winning investigative reporter Mech Dara was arrested on September 30 this year and detained for over three weeks on criminal incitement charges over his postings about a quarry operation. He was released on bail while the charges are still pending.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Information did not immediately respond to CPJ’s emailed request for comment.
