Reporter who revealed deforestation in Cambodia now charged with deforestation

Ouk Mao was accused of illegal logging in the northeastern province of Stung Treng province.

Mao was instrumental in exposing the takeover of the Phnom Chum Rok Sat community forest by mining company Lin Vatey .

He was charged with deforestation and incitement, for which he faces up to 10 years in jail.

While not detained, he's subject to court-ordered monitoring and cannot leave his village without permission.

Cambodia has a long-running crackdowns on the press on environmental crimes.

In 2012 , the body of journalist Hangi Serei Oudom was found in the trunk of his car with an ax.

Mao was accused of being involved in clearing forest in Phnom Chum Rok Sat community forest.

No evidence was presented, no official documents issued, and no trial was held, but the judge nonetheless decided to place Mao under indefinite court surveillance.

Between 1994 and 2023 , at least 15 journalists have been killed working in Cambodia , with at least 12 of them working on sensitive issues at the time of their death.

Military police were involved in the murder of Chut Wutty , arguably Cambodia ’s most prominent and effective forest activist, who was gunned down while investigating illegal logging.