Phnom Penh: The case of two Cambodian journalists who worked for the US government-funded radio station appeared at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to face espionage trial has been adjourned until next month.
Former reporters of Radio Free Asia Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin arrived at the court on Friday to defend themselves against the charges for supplying information to a foreign state.
They were apprehended on November 2017 in a late-night police raid.
RFA was known for its scope regarding Cambodian government which includes reports on corruption and illegal logging.
However, it was closed before the arrest. RFA was the US-funded organisation. Rights groups have characterized their case as a flagrant attack on press freedom.
The pair, who had already left their jobs with the Radio Free Asia, was arrested on November 2017 during a crackdown on the media and political opponents of Prime Minister Hun Sen's government, ahead of the July 2018 general election.
Both men acknowledged in court that they had covered news events after leaving the station, but denied any wrongdoing.
Uon Chhin also said that he sent the video clips at the request of his former boss, and they covered openly available news, not state secrets. He has also admitted that he never had any contact with any agents of the US Central Intelligence Agency.
The trial will continue on August 9.
