Publisher-Cum-Journalist Sued for Alleged Defamation and Incitement

The publisher of KH Plus News is facing legal action filed by the Svay Rieng provincial administration on charges of public defamation, public insult, incitement to commit felony, and incitement to discrimination.
On May 19, 2025, the journalist received a court summons from the Svay Rieng Provincial Court, requiring him to appear on May 28, 2025.
According to the summons, the complaint was filed on May 13, 2025, by lawyer Chi Kosal. While the initial complaint did not name the plaintiff, it alleged that the journalist committed the offenses in relation to a Facebook post published on the KH Plus News page on April 29, 2025.
Speaking to CamboJA, the journalist said he was unaware of who filed the complaint or which specific post triggered the lawsuit. However, he suspects it may be linked to a series of posts he published regarding alleged corruption in a public bidding process for a road construction project in Chres Commune, Svay Rieng Province, on April 25, 2025.
When he appeared in court on May 28, the journalist was informed that he had been sued by the Svay Rieng Provincial Administration.
Posts criticizing the bidding process and alleging corruption were published on April 25, 28, and 29. In response, the Chres Commune Administration issued an official letter on April 28, denying all accusations. The letter stated that the bidding process was conducted transparently and was not prearranged.
“The bidding was originally scheduled for April 3, 2025, but only two companies applied, which did not meet procurement requirements. Therefore, the bidding was postponed to April 25, when Bun Than Construction Company won the contract by offering the lowest price,” the letter stated.
This is not the journalist’s first legal challenge. In 2024, he was summoned by the Kampong Cham Provincial Court for allegedly defaming the judicial system. In that case, the Ministry of Information ordered him to issue a public apology and remove the video report within 15 days. The ministry also issued a final warning, stating that KH Plus News’ license could be revoked and further legal action could follow if similar violations occurred again.