Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported Wednesday that Cambodian authorities arbitrarily arrested and charged up to 16 individuals for expressing opinions on border tensions with Thailand earlier this year.

Authorities allegedly arrested social media activists, members of the opposition party, online figures and journalists who publicly criticized the Cambodian government’s handling of the conflict. One individual, activity Phon Yuth, was arrested at his home on October 29, and o nline personality Chheng Sreyrath, also known as Love Riya, was arrested and faced charges on August 14.

Journalists reporting on the border conflict have also been arrested , notably Phorn Sopheap of the Battambang Post and Pheap Pheara of TSP 68 TV Online. Both were charged with conspiracy under Article 445

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