The Phnom Penh Appeal and Municipal Court buildings, pictured in February 2023.

Two journalists from local media outlets known for regularly publishing pro-government content were charged with incitement, accused of causing serious disruption to social security. They were detained in Correctional Center 1 prison late last week after their news outlets shared a video they claimed showed a cyberscam compound in Cambodia—a claim that authorities have denied.

Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat, who work for SA TV and Cambodia Star Daily News 24/24, respectively, allegedly posted a video of a man handcuffed to a metal pole and being tortured. The outlets claimed the video showing acts of torture was filmed at a cyberscam compound in Phnom Penh's Dangkor district. The two men were arrested last week following an order from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

Following their arrest, the Phnom Penh Municipal Police released a statement accusing the journalists of spreading false information that caused social chaos, affected the dignity of leadership and jeopardized national security.