Drop the charges against Mech Dara immediately

“Every newsroom I work in gets silenced.” Mech Dara ¹

The award-winning Cambodian journalist who exposed cyber slavery and corruption in Cambodia, was arrested by local police on September 30, 2024.

Dara spearheaded investigations and reporting on cyberscam compounds² in the Cambodian jungles. Compounds that are usually staffed by trafficked workers being forced to scam under threat of violence.

Now the government is trying to silence him.

Dara is being charged over five social media posts which the government claims could “incite social unrest”³. But the vague charges of incitement are frequently used in Cambodia against government critics. Rights groups speculate that Cambodia’s political leadership is behind Dara’s arrest as the government has a pattern of using arrests⁴ to shut down voices perceived as a threat.

We need to take action and demand the government release Mech Dara now!

The government has been chasing Dara for years⁵, attempting to silence his reporting on important issues like modern slavery. Two independent publications Dara worked for were closed by authorities. Now they are coming after individuals, like Dara, who refuses to stop reporting on corruption and criminal behavior in Cambodia.

Dara was released on bail on October 24, 2024 but still faces these charges and potentially up to two years in jail.

Stand with us and call for Mech Dara’s freedom!

Because calling out criminal behavior and modern slavery shouldn’t cost someone else their freedom.

Notes:

Drop the charges against Mech Dara now!

4,653

Help us reach 5,000

Read the full text

I stand with Cambodian journalist Mech Dara and call for all charges against him to be dropped immediately.

Dara was unjustly detained for exposing large-scale scam operations that traffic and exploit workers, forcing them into global fraud schemes.

His reporting has helped uncover abuses that harm thousands, yet instead of protecting his rights, Cambodian authorities have charged him with “incitement of social unrest” for social media posts that courageously reveal the truth.

Forced to apologize publicly, seemingly under duress, Dara’s freedom remains threatened, sending a stark message, discouraging others who want to speak out against human trafficking and corruption.

I demand that all charges be dropped immediately!

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Freedom United will protect your privacy while updating you on campaigns, news and stories about modern slavery. Freedom United has my permission to email me with news and campaigns. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.