Video journalist from Buddhist News detained after reporting on a Buddhist ceremony in Kandal province.

On 9 February 2026, online video and photography journalist Nhel Soksan from Buddhist News was arrested and detained for six hours by local after publishing an article stating that people without ID cards were not allowed to participate in Buddhist ceremony at Wat Phutthamonkol pagoda in Kandal province.

The journalist was initially detained by officers from the Ministry of Culture and Religion at Wat Phutthamonkol, before being transferred to local police for further detention. Authorities accused the journalist of publishing content that allegedly affected leadership and caused discrimination.

Sirey Muny, Editor-in-Chief of Buddhist News, told CamboJA that the journalist was first arrested and handed over to bodyguards responsible for security at the ceremony, before being sent to the commune police station. He said the journalist was detained at Phsar Dek Police Post in Phsar Dek Commune, Ponhea Leu District, Kandal Province, from 2:36 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Muny said that during the detention, the journalist was forced to delete all photos and videos and remove the published article. Authorities accused the journalist of publishing content that negatively affected leadership. He added that, in exchange for the journalist’s release, he agreed to take down the article, including a separate article reporting on the journalist’s arrest.