Mech Dara, Cambodian journalist: "I also hope that I can continue my career to serve the public." Source: AFPTV

Award-winning Cambodian journalist freed on bail --- Source: AFPTV Mech Dara, Cambodian journalist: "I thank all relevant institutions and colleagues and others who helped me so that I have freedom and stay out of jail provisionally."

Journalist Mech Dara receives blessing from a monk at a pagoda after he was released on bail on Thursday. (CamboJA/Seoung Nimol)

Mech Dara, a journalist, was released on bail from Kandal provincial prison on Thursday at 12 noon, after his apology last night to Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)

Journalist Mech Dara seeks blessing from a monk in a pagoda in Phnom Penh after he was released on bail this afternoon. Interestingly, he was dressed in a white t-shirt bearing the words “wanna go fishing”. #Mechdara #Kiripost

We are thrilled to report that @MechDara1 was released on bail earlier today in Phnom Penh and has returned to the loving embrace of friends and family. We now ask that all charges will be fully dropped so that Dara may continue his life and work in peace.

On her Cambodia visit today @PowerUSAID spoke about Dara and the importance of democracy, a free media and the rule of law, enshrined in Cambodia’s constitution.

Samantha Power lands in Cambodia in a few hours, the first @USAID Administrator to visit the country. We call on @PowerUSAID to urgently raise the case of imprisoned journalist Mech Dara with authorities and do everything possible to push for his immediate release. #FreeMechDara

🚨 Breaking: Mech Dara was denied bail by the Phnom Penh municipal court today, despite his ailing health. We continue to call for all charges to be dropped and for his immediate release. #FreeMechDara

A stunning visualisation of Dara's work and impact

"... He deserves the opportunity to pursue his passion and to continue spreading kindness and warmth to those around him. - A former university classmate shares their memories with Dara"

"I told him we should balance between money and passion, and he simply laughed. After all these years, Dara stays true to his principle. He is an advocate for those in need, and he is a friend who willingly gives regardless of how much he has. ..."

"... I can be “a role model for other women” by pursuing the highest qualification. And the most memorable of all was when we spoke after Dara just graduated from university. He told me he did not want money to dictate his passion. I told him...

"We rarely spoke, catching up every few years with a short friendly exchange. Those have been memorable. The last time we met, Dara insisted on buying me lunch. A few years prior, he encouraged me to pursue a PhD telling me “not to let others bring me down” and that I...

"I have known Dara since his university days, and our paths have diverged over the last decade. I have watched with great admiration how Dara grows from being an eager student who spoke candidly on any topics to a well-respected and internationally renowned journalist. ... 🧵

"Sometimes, my mom would tell him, don't take so many risks. But my brother said he has to die someday, and until that day comes, he told her, he just wants to do something for our country and our society." Dara's sister spoke to @NPR https://t.co/72t5ZiE7UV

@cchrcambodia @licadho @CIJ_Malaysia @COMFREL @CambodiaEC @fidh_en @LRSUnion @nujp @anticorruption @ticambodia 65/ 🇨🇦 Canada via its embassy in Phnom Penh @CanadaCambodia

@cchrcambodia @licadho @CIJ_Malaysia @COMFREL @CambodiaEC @fidh_en @LRSUnion @nujp 64/ 🇰🇭 Transparency International @anticorruption @ticambodia https://t.co/68qrbmlVFU

@cchrcambodia @licadho @CIJ_Malaysia @COMFREL @CambodiaEC @fidh_en @LRSUnion @nujp 63/ 🇰🇭 Trapeang Chour Community (Kampong Speu) https://t.co/Xpn79xwdmQ