I am calling on you, as representatives of the Cambodian government, to drop all charges against reporter Mech Dara. Because calling out corruption, criminal activity and modern slavery should not come at a cost.

Cambodia’s constitution proclaims Cambodia is a multiparty democracy. Imprisoning critics and shutting down independent media does not support a healthy democracy. Reporters like Mech Dara expose and shine a light on illegal activity and social ills like modern slavery that need to be stopped.

Along with advocate groups like Human Rights Watch and Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, I demand that the Cambodian government respect freedom of the press and stop imprisoning reporters like Mech Dara.

As a leader in the Cambodian government, I call on you to immediately release Mech Dara from his wrongful arrest.