A former investigative journalist in Cambodia said of the U.S. aid cuts: “We can now see that our world without USAID seems like more journalists get killed, more journalists get harassed, more journalists are imprisoned.”

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.”

This quote is attributed to former 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