Detained Cambodian journalist seeks bail after apologizing for 'harmful' posts

An award-winning Cambodian writer detained connected charges of inciting societal unrest sought bail connected Thursday, his lawyer said, a time aft the authorities released a video of the investigative newsman apologizing.

Mech Dara, who is known for exposing corruption and quality trafficking done his reporting, has been in pre-trial detention since Oct. 1, and faces up to 2 years successful prison. His apprehension has drawn interest from rights groups and the U.S. government.

In its Oct. 1 decision, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court said Dara, who has worked for section and planetary media, had posted "provocative" and "false" messages and pictures astir a stone quarry connected a ineffable mountain.

Dara's lawyer, Duch Piseth, said the bail petition had been made but it was excessively aboriginal to accidental if the charges would beryllium dropped.

"We are conscionable waiting for his release," helium said

On Wednesday, Cambodia's accusation curate shared with journalists a video of Dara wearing situation garb and apologizing. It was accompanied by images of a handwritten three-page missive the curate said was from the journalist.

"In each the messages that I posted, I conveyed mendacious accusation that affected the leaders and the country's reputation. I sincerely apologize for my mistakes and committedness to halt sharing specified harmful content," Dara said successful the video.

Dara received a leader grant past twelvemonth from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, recognizing his enactment exposing the beingness of monolithic scam compounds staffed mostly by trafficked workers successful Cambodia.