An award-winning Cambodian journalist who was arrested on charges of inciting social unrest was freed on bail on Oct 24, a day after the government released a video of the investigative reporter apologising.

       Mr Mech Dara, who is known for exposing corruption and human trafficking, had been held in pre-trial detention since Oct 1, and faces up to two years in prison. His arrest drew concern from rights groups and the US government.

       Mr Dara's lawyer, Mr Duch Piseth, confirmed he had been released.

       Mr Dara spoke briefly to reporters outside the Kandal provincial jail before leaving in a vehicle, according to a Reuters journalist.

       In its Oct 1 decision, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said Mr Dara, who has worked for local and international media, had posted “provocative” and “false” messages and pictures about a rock quarry on a sacred mountain.

       On Oct 23, Cambodia's information minister shared with journalists a video of Mr Dara wearing prison garb and apologising. It was accompanied by images of a handwritten three-page letter the minister said was from the journalist.

       “In all the messages that I posted, I conveyed false information that affected the leaders and the country’s reputation. I sincerely apologise for my mistakes and promise to stop sharing such harmful content,” Mr Dara said in the video.

       By signing up, I accept SPH Media's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy as amended from time to time.

       Mr Dara received a hero award in 2023 from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, recognising his work exposing the existence of massive scam compounds staffed mostly by trafficked workers in Cambodia. REUTERS