Two Journalists in Stung Treng Threatened with Gunfire

On June 5, 2025, two journalists from Norkor Achhariyak were threatened by gunfire while returning from covering illegal logging activities in the Prey Lang.
Speaking to CamboJA on June 9, the outlet’s news editor recounted that around 10 p.m., he and a colleague were riding a motorcycle back from their reporting trip. While passing through Chamkar Leu commune in Thala Borivat district, Stung Treng province, they encountered two men and briefly spoke with them. Shortly afterward, as the journalists rode about 30 meters away, they heard gunshots behind them. The editor said he accelerated the motorcycle as the two men pursued them, firing three additional shots. Fortunately, neither journalist was injured.
The following day, June 6, the journalists filed a complaint with the Thala Borivat district police. Va Sophann, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Department at the Stung Treng Provincial Police, confirmed to CamboJA that the suspects had been arrested in response to the complaint. He said the suspects claimed they had fired into the air and did not intend to harm the journalists. Both men were sent to the provincial court for further investigation on the same day.
Chhum Seanghak, spokesperson for the Stung Treng Provincial Court, told CamboJA on June 10 that the two suspects have been charged with intentional acts of violence with aggravating circumstances and illegal possession of a weapon, under Articles 218 and 490 of the Penal Code. He added that both suspects are currently being held in pre-trial detention at the provincial prison.
The incident has been widely reported by local media to highlight concerns over the safety of journalists working in the field.