A prominent Cambodian journalist known for his work exposing compounds in which people are forced to scam others online was released on bail on Thursday. He had been detained three weeks in a case that has been denounced by the United States and rights groups as an attack on press freedom.

       The journalist, Mech Dara, told The New York Times in an interview that he still faces a charge of “incitement to provoke social chaos.” The authorities said the charge resulted from his social media posts that criticized various injustices in Cambodia. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail.

       Mr. Mech Dara, 36, said he was barred from leaving Cambodia and was required to report to the police every month. “It was a very tough time for me in the prison,” he said, declining to elaborate because he is still facing a criminal charge.

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