Yeang Sothearin and Uon Chhin arrive at Supreme Court on 16 March 2018 for a bail hearing.

Two former Radio Free Asia (RFA) journalists charged with treason were brought to Phnom Penh Municipal Court today to decide whether their six months in pre-trial detention will be extended or if they will be released (update below).

Under Cambodian law, felony suspects can only be held in pre-trial detention for six months unless a judge rules that a further six month period is necessary for an ongoing investigation. No evidence substantiating the charges has been made public.

At a bail hearing in March, Presiding Judge Khim Pon said an investigation was still underway and that releasing the men could result in “serious damage”.

Yeang Sothearin and Uon Chhin worked for RFA until the media outlet shut its Phnom Penh Bureau on 12 September 2017, citing government repression and the forced closure of its FM radio broadcasts as part of an ongoing crackdown on critical media.

They were arrested and detained on 14 November 2017. Four days later they were charged with treason and sent to pre-trial detention in Phnom Penh's chronically overcrowded Correctional Centre 1 (CC1). Further unsubstantiated trafficking charges were later added.

They have been charged under Article 445 of the Criminal Code which covers providing information to foreign states or agents which can “undermine national defence”. If found guilty they face between 7 and 15 years in prison.

Investigating Judge Pich Vicheathor will announce his decision on 18 May 2018 at 08:00 am.

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Update 18 May 2018:

Investigating Judge Pich Vicheathor extended the pre-trial detention of former Radio Free Asia (RFA) journalists, Yeang Sothearin and Uon Chhin, today by a further six months.

The two men were arrested and charged with treason six months ago. Under Cambodian law felony suspects can be held in pre-trial detention for six months but the period can be extended twice if a judge deems it necessary for an ongoing investigation.