Despite a combination of more than 10 legal complaints landing him in prison for 10 days, Ouk Mao says he not afraid and has not lost his willingness to protect Cambodia’s natural resources. Instead, the environmental activist and community journalist claimed that he would continue to protect the forest, especially Prey Lang, which he considers his “heart”.

He noted that although he is not a registered as a journalist with the Ministry of Information, he still believes he has the right to protect Cambodia’s forests.

“Before I was arrested and jailed, I was protecting the forest at 10% effort. But now that I’ve been released, I will increase my commitment to 100%. I’m still doing the same thing, but I’ll do it even more than before — even if I’m oppressed,” he said.

Ouk Mao, 57, was arrested in Stung Treng province on May 16 and temporarily held in the provincial prison. He was charged with “incitement to commit crimes” and “public defamation”. The provincial court ordered his release on Sunday, May 25.

Following his release, he said he must comply with three conditions. He must submit the court’s release warrant to the local commune police within three days of returning home, he must inform local authorities if he changes his residence and he must appear in court whenever summoned.

Mao claims there are no restrictions preventing him from continuing his forest protection activities. However, provincial and court officials advised him to “act within the law,” which he agreed to do.

“I’m not afraid. What I do is for the forest, for my people and for my country. If I were logging or destroying forests, then yes, I would fear prison and punishment. But if I’m protecting the forest — no, I’m not afraid of corrupt officials,” he said.

His detention sparked criticism from several civil society organisations and foreign media outlets. On May 22, the Ministry of Information clarified that Mao is involved in 15 separate legal cases related to various alleged crimes, committed since February 2022. He was arrested for incitement, public defamation, inciting violence and the illegal occupation of state forest land.

The ministry stated that Mao works for the online Intry Plus News unit, but he is not a licensed journalist, having failed to meet the requirements to apply for accreditation. Specifically, journalists applying for a license press card must not be involved in any legal disputes or judicial procedures.

Additionally, the Stung Treng provincial administration stated that an arson attack on Mao’s home was related to a personal land dispute. He is also accused of having occupied large areas of forest land. However, Ouk Mao denies these allegations.

“I say sincerely, from my heart and truthfully, that I’ve committed none of the offenses in any of those complaints. Not one. I have never logged or cleared even a bit of forest. I’ve never encroached or grabbed forest land,” he told The Post.

He added that while he has bought land in the past, it was not protected forest land. He said the land was purchased from local officials, including village chiefs.

Mao, who has seven children to care for, has requested that the court drop all charges and complaints against him. He also reiterated that he is not afraid to face legal consequences if he truly has committed any wrongdoing.