Oddar Meanchey journalist charged with incitement and demoralization of the armed forces

An online journalist from Srotop Yuvakvey Online News, Luot Sophal, has been charged with incitement and demoralization of the armed forces following his reporting on a water shortage faced by soldiers on the front line.
Sophal was arrested by military police on February 13, 2026. The following day, February 14, the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Court charged him with “incitement to commit a felony” under Article 495 and “demoralization of the armed forces” under Article 472 of the Criminal Code. The charges were linked to his reporting on conditions affecting frontline soldiers. He has been placed in pre-trial detention, despite having already published an apology and a video acknowledging wrongdoing.
According to the publisher of Sroteob Yukvekveay, Sophal received a phone call from the Oddar Meanchey Provincial Governor between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. on February 13, requesting that he attend a meeting at the provincial hall without being given a reason. The meeting location was later changed to the Chongkal District Hall.
Before attending the meeting, Sophal consulted his publisher for advice. Believing that the authorities might only wish to provide guidance or suggestions, The publisher advised him to go. Upon arriving at the Chongkal district hall, Sophal was immediately arrested by military police.