[Update] Journalist Luot Sophal Sentenced to Two Years in Prison on Incitement and Demoralization of the Armed Forces Charge

On 14 July 2026, the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Court sentenced journalist Luot Sophal of Srotop Yuvakvey News to two years in prison on​ charge of Incitement to commit a felony under Article 495; and Demoralization of the armed forces under Article 472.

Luot Sophal, 38, was arrested by provincial military police on 13 February 2026 after reporting on water shortages affecting soldiers stationed along the Cambodia–Thailand border. The report was later removed, and Sophal subsequently posted an apology video on his personal Facebook account, in which he acknowledged the alleged wrongdoing.

Nop Vy, executive director of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association, said the sentence is putting reporting on border-related conflict more risky for journalists.

He said the law should more clearly define the boundaries of “demoralizing the armed forces” and “incitement to commit a felony.” to avoid overly broad interpretations that could restrict press freedom.

“We call on [the authorities] to apply the law in accordance with international legal principles and the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens in matters of public interest, rather than relying on overly broad interpretations of legal provisions that restrict freedom of expression and press freedom,” he said.