"Goldman Prize Winner Among Six Arrested in Stung Treng During Logging Probe", 24 November 2024

Several environmental activists and a journalist were arrested in Stung Treng province … while investigating illegal logging near economic land concessions, local groups said, including one recipient of one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards.

Heng Kimhong, president of the advocacy group Cambodian Youth Network (CYN), revealed that six activists are currently being questioned by the Stung Treng Provincial Military Police. No charges have been bought yet.

Among the detainees are Ouch Leng, a Goldman Environmental Prize winner for his anti-deforestation work, who was arrested and released … during his eco-investigations, Heng Sros and Men Mat, longtime colleagues and activists detained with Leng that year, freelance journalist and activist Tat Oudom, and Out Latin, project coordinator with CYN…

Stung Treng provincial spokesperson Men Kung said the six were arrested for allegedly entering a restricted area managed by authorities to protect previously damaged natural resources.

“Despite numerous restrictions, they intentionally entered the area, interfering with the authorities’ duties,” Kung claimed. “This is the primary reason; they entered the protected area where officials are working to safeguard natural resources vital to the nation.”…

The area is believed to be near economic land concessions granted to T.S.M.W., which has been linked to illegal logging, and Green Wood Development ...

… Am Sam Ath, operations director for local rights group Licadho, said the activists are forest defenders whose goal was simply to learn about and address forest issues, not to commit any crime related to national security. He emphasized that their work aimed to protect forests, natural resources, and the environment…