PHNOM PENH, February 13, 2026 – His Excellency Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, announced today that the Ministry is closely tracking the case involving a journalist in Banteay Meanchey province. The MoI is actively collaborating with relevant competent authorities to receive additional information regarding the incident.
H.E. Tep Asnarith stressed the imperative need to fully examine and understand both the factual basis and the legal statutes pertaining to the case to guarantee appropriate legal procedures are followed.
The Spokesperson confirmed that the MoI is prepared to offer legal support, including assistance during judicial proceedings, upon formal request. He clarified that such support would be considered only if the journalist demonstrated adherence to the required legal frameworks and professional ethical standards, aligning with the Constitution of Journalism Professionals.
Addressing the national campaign against technological fraud—a complex, transnational organized crime acknowledged internationally—H.E. Tep Asnarith emphasized that journalistic involvement in reporting based on accurate, verified, and ethical sources is strongly encouraged. He highlighted previous successful collaborations where journalists shared intelligence with law enforcement, contributing significantly to the effectiveness of anti-scam operations.
Regarding the specific case in Banteay Meanchey, the MoI Spokesperson issued a strong appeal: ‘I urge the relevant authorities to prioritize the assurance of transparency and justice, strictly in line with established law, by ensuring that all facts, legal provisions, and related investigation findings are fully incorporated into the judicial review process for comprehensive consideration.’
Furthermore, H.E. Tep Asnarith reiterated the importance for journalists to reinforce their ethical practices. He also called on journalists to cooperate proactively with law enforcement, especially by sharing timely information crucial for planning and executing effective anti-crime operations, such as crackdowns. He concluded that this cooperation is essential both for ensuring the safety and security of journalists in their professional activities and for maximizing national efforts to combat transnational tech-scams for the greater public good. Striking a balance between the media’s duty to report truthfully and law enforcement’s need for operational effectiveness remains key to serving the supreme national interest.
