A journalist is suing a high-ranking police official, alleging he was handcuffed and detained for taking photos of illegal cockfighting and dice games in an O’Smach commune transport station in Oddar Meanchey.

Apsara News Network reporter Khiev Sophanuros claimed he was detained unlawfully and his rights as a member of the press were violated in a September 28 court filing and in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng on Tuesday – claims which were denied by the accused, Oddar Meanchey provincial police head of minor crime Tem Vandy.

Sophanuros said Vandy threatened to take his phone if he and his colleagues didn’t delete their footage, and when Sophanuros refused, he was detained for 25 minutes.

“He is a justice official, but his actions seem to protect the casino. He handcuffed me, which is wrong, and seized my mobile phone to delete the important photos showing the casino,” Sophanuros said yesterday.

Vandy said Sophanuros was arrested by security guards and that he arrived later.

“This is an allegation which twists and defames my reputation,” he said.