[Update] Journalist Released on Bail After Two Months in Pre-Trial Detention

An online journalist in Banteay Meanchey province who was arrested in February after reporting on suspected online scam activities was released on bail on 8 April 2026, following two months of pre-trial detention.

The journalist, Hem Vanna, was arrested on 3 February 2026 by Poipet military police after reporting on a suspected online scam compound in Poipet town, Banteay Meanchey province. He was later charged with incitement to commit a felony under Article 495 and with intercepting or recording private conversations under Article 301 of the Criminal Code, and was placed in pre-trial detention.

On 26 March, the Court of Appeal in Battambang province held a bail hearing. However, on 2 April, the court rejected his request for release. A subsequent hearing was held on 7 April 2026 at the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court, which then granted bail. Vanna was released on the afternoon of 8 April 2026, according to a LICADHO coordinator in Banteay Meanchey.

According to the coordinator, two lawyers from the Ministry of Information attended the hearing alongside the journalist. The coordinator added that Vanna requested release on health grounds and cited his role as the sole income earner for his family. He also pledged to comply with all court procedures. The journalist had previously received legal support from human rights organizations.

Prior to his arrest, Vanna was summoned by Poipet military police without being informed of the reason. He was later transferred to the Banteay Meanchey provincial military police in connection with allegations that he had published misleading information about online scams.