Ratanakiri Journalist Briefly Detained After Entering A Plantation To Cover A Mining Activity

On August 11, 2024, a TV reporter in Ratanakiri was detained inside a private plantation in Ratanakiri province for four hours when he entered to cover a mining issue. The land was reportedly owned by a “powerful individual“ in Phnom Penh.

About 3pm, two journalists entered the plantation in Andong Meas district to cover the story. However, one journalist fled, and another was arrested by guards.

The journalist said he got inside the plantation because it was open to villagers to pass through. There were no signs banning entry displayed outside and no guards at the entrance. “While we were inside, I took pictures and videos. The video showed several people digging the ground.”

Suddenly, three guards arrived and closed the gate at the entrance gate, disallowing the journalist to leave, following which he was detained for four hours. While he was held, the journalist asked the authorities for help to get him out of the farm but failed.

The journalist was later released around 7pm when he made an apology and agreed to sign a contract not to release the news.

The journalist said the landowner warned that she would bring a legal action against him and accused him of entering the private area without permission with an intention to extort money.