Shooting of journalist sparks outrage as officials cite ‘personal conflict’

The fatal shooting of journalist Chhoeung Chheng, 63, has sparked calls for justice amid conflicting allegations of a personal conflict.

Chheng, who died of his injuries on December 7, was attacked while reporting on illegal deforestation in northwest Cambodia.

A reporter for the online site Kampuchea Aphivath, he was shot in the abdomen on December 4 while investigating illegal logging in the Boeung Per nature reserve in Siem Reap province.

Although he was rushed to a local hospital, he died two days later from serious internal injuries.

Authorities arrested a suspect who, according to local media, admitted to shooting Chheng after the reporter allegedly photographed the suspect carrying illegally felled timber.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned this assassination as an attack on press freedom.

“This murder is appalling and demands a strong response. We call on the Cambodian authorities to ensure that all those responsible for this attack are severely punished, says Cédric Alviani, director of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk.

“We also urge the Cambodian government to take concrete steps to end violence against journalists,” he added.

While RSF highlighted Chheng’s role as an investigative journalist, the Siem Reap provincial administration called the incident a “personal conflict.”

According to a statement from the provincial government, the suspect confessed to shooting Chheng due to a dispute involving a single stolen bullet.

“The provincial police commissioner is finalizing the file for legal proceedings,” the statement added.

The Ministry of Information expressed its condolences, with spokesperson Tep Asnarith reiterating the government’s commitment to press freedom while urging journalists to adhere to ethical standards.

“I send my deepest condolences to Chhoeung Chheng’s family,” Asnarith said, adding: “The ministry remains committed to fostering a safe environment for journalists.”

Asnarith urged all journalists to strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics for Journalists, stressing the importance of conducting their work within the confines of the law.

He warned against participating in illegal acts such as extortion or other activities that deviate from professional standards.

Chheng’s murder highlights the dangers faced by journalists covering environmental issues in Cambodia.

RSF highlighted that journalists investigating illegal deforestation frequently face violence, citing the 2014 killing of Taing Try in similar circumstances.

Cambodia now ranks 151st out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index, classified as posing “very serious” threats to press freedom.