Journalist Summoned for Questioning Over Report on Detention of Chinese Nationals

A journalist from Koh Kong Hot News was summoned for questioning by Pursat Provincial Police after reporting on authorities’ crackdown on alleged illegal immigration in the province. Authorities accused the journalist of public insult.

The journalist told CamboJA on 2 April 2026 that he was questioned by Pursat provincial police for three hours on 31 March in connection with a report published on 11 March. The report alleged that Pursat provincial authorities had arbitrarily detained a group of Chinese nationals despite their possession of valid legal documents.

He said that before receiving the summons, he had been contacted by Pursat provincial police and asked to appear at the provincial police office without a clear explanation, which he initially refused to do. A formal summons was later issued ordering him to appear on 31 March.

The summons, reviewed by CamboJA, accused the journalist of public insult under Article 307 of the Criminal Code, allegedly committed through Facebook.

The journalist said that during the questioning, authorities instructed him to delete the report or face legal consequences. He said he agreed to comply with the request in order to avoid legal action. According to the journalist, no formal charges were subsequently filed.