Award-winning Cambodian journalist freed on bail
--- Source: AFPTV
Mech Dara, Cambodian journalist: "I thank all relevant institutions and colleagues and others who helped me so that I have freedom and stay out of jail provisionally."
Mech Dara, a journalist, was released on bail from Kandal provincial prison on Thursday at 12 noon, after his apology last night to Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)
Journalist Mech Dara seeks blessing from a monk in a pagoda in Phnom Penh after he was released on bail this afternoon. Interestingly, he was dressed in a white t-shirt bearing the words “wanna go fishing”. #Mechdara#Kiripost
We are thrilled to report that @MechDara1 was released on bail earlier today in Phnom Penh and has returned to the loving embrace of friends and family. We now ask that all charges will be fully dropped so that Dara may continue his life and work in peace.
On her Cambodia visit today @PowerUSAID spoke about Dara and the importance of democracy, a free media and the rule of law, enshrined in Cambodia’s constitution.
Samantha Power lands in Cambodia in a few hours, the first @USAID Administrator to visit the country. We call on @PowerUSAID to urgently raise the case of imprisoned journalist Mech Dara with authorities and do everything possible to push for his immediate release. #FreeMechDara
🚨 Breaking: Mech Dara was denied bail by the Phnom Penh municipal court today, despite his ailing health.
We continue to call for all charges to be dropped and for his immediate release. #FreeMechDara
"... He deserves the opportunity to pursue his passion and to continue spreading kindness and warmth to those around him.
- A former university classmate shares their memories with Dara"
"I have known Dara since his university days, and our paths have diverged over the last decade. I have watched with great admiration how Dara grows from being an eager student who spoke candidly on any topics to a well-respected and internationally renowned journalist. ... 🧵
"I told him we should balance between money and passion, and he simply laughed. After all these years, Dara stays true to his principle. He is an advocate for those in need, and he is a friend who willingly gives regardless of how much he has. ..."
"Sometimes, my mom would tell him, don't take so many risks. But my brother said he has to die someday, and until that day comes, he told her, he just wants to do something for our country and our society." Dara's sister spoke to @NPR
https://t.co/72t5ZiE7UV
A thread of governments, organisations and people that have spoken up and called for the release of Mech Dara, Cambodian journalist unjustly imprisoned since 30 Sept 🇰🇭 #FreeMechDara
We call on the Cambodian government to immediately dismiss the charges against Cambodian journalist Mech Dara, set him free from prison, and stop all forms of harassment against media organizations and journalists.