Phon Sopheap (left) and Pheap Phara. -Pheap Phara FB via PPP/ANN
PHNOM PENH: The Siem Reap Provincial Court’s prosecutor office has announced that an investigating judge is yet to decide on possible charges for online TV journalists Pheap Phara and Phon Sopheap, who were detained for allegedly filming in a restricted military zone.
In a statement released today, September 10, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office said the two men, identified as Phara, 34 from TSP 68 TV Online, and Phon Sopheap, 45, from Battambang Post TV Online, entered a prohibited battlefield area to collect information and take photographs.
According to the spokesperson, the prosecutor has reviewed statements and evidence in the case and determined that the two journalists may face charges related to gathering information that could endanger national defence, with the alleged acts occurring in Oddar Meanchey province between July 25 and July 31, 2025.
The case has been forwarded to the provincial court’s investigating judge for further proceedings.
“The case has not yet been tried, as it is currently under investigation. The investigating judge is actively seeking information and examining the evidence. Upon completion of the investigation, the judge will determine whether the accused committed the alleged offences,” said the spokesperson.
The prosecutor’s office will provide updates on the case once the investigating judge concludes the inquiry, according to the release. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
