A Cambodian investigative journalist likened U.S. funding to a sheltering house. He said people relied on it “as a shield from the enemy. Without that house, you are open to the enemy. You can get attacked. You cannot sleep well. You live in fear.”

Date: 4/26

Region: East Asia & Pacific

Country: Cambodia

Topic: Governance & Rights

Policy Lens: Democracy & Governance

Entry Type: Field Observation

Additional Context: This information was collected as part of The Aid Report’s original reporting, "In exile and at risk, journalists navigate life after U.S. funding cuts.” Living in hiding and facing the threat of arrest or death, these are the realities of some Southeast Asian journalists after the U.S withdrew support for independent media, Rebecca Root reports.

This quote is attributed to Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara, who was arrested in 2024 for claims he posted false information online. Former USAID Administrator Samantha Power played a pivotal role in Dara’s release. He told The Aid Report: “I had already spent nearly a month in prison, and the head of the USAID arrived in Cambodia. Without her, I would not be here speaking with you.”

Source: Devex