"Arrested Environmental Activists Freed After Two Days of Questioning", 25 November 2024

Six environmental activists that were arrested in Stung Treng province … while investigating illegal logging near economic land concessions have been released following two days of questioning from military police.

The detainees included Ouch Leng, a Goldman Environmental Prize winner who was also arrested and released … during similar eco-investigations, as well as longtime colleagues Heng Sros and Men Mat, who were detained with him ... Also arrested were freelance journalist and activist Tat Oudom, Cambodian Youth Network project coordinator Out Latin, and environmental activist Prum Mao, whose identity was initially unknown.

Stung Treng provincial military police commander Seng Sopheap confirmed the group’s release ...

Am Sam Ath, operations director of Cambodian human rights group Licadho, applauded the decision to release the activists.

“I think they are environmental defenders and activists who should not be arrested for their actions to protect forests and natural resources. Even though they entered a restricted area, it was with the purpose of protecting the forest,” he said.

According to Sam Ath, Licadho’s team briefly spoke with the activists after their release but received no details about any conditions attached…

Past cases involving the arrest of activists, journalists, and dissidents in Cambodia have drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, with media reports documenting instances where individuals were coerced into confessions or pledges of allegiance to the ruling party …

Heng Kimhong, president of the Cambodian Youth Network (CYN), also confirmed the release of the six individuals but said CYN has not yet spoken with them. He added that the group provided their thumbprints as part of the release process…