Mech Dara faces prison for exposing modern slavery
By Ellie Finkelstein, Freedom United
Now is the time to double down!
Imagine being promised a life-changing job abroad, only to find yourself trapped, stripped of your freedom, and forced to defraud others under threats of violence. Survivors like Rahim recount how they were trafficked and beaten for failing to meet quotas in a cyber-scam compound in Cambodia: “I couldn’t escape from the room. I wasn’t allowed to eat anything for a week.”[1]
Thanks to Mech Dara’s courageous and extensive reporting, stories like Rahim’s finally see the light of day. Tragically, they have also made Dara a target. He now faces charges for “incitement of social unrest” with a potential two-year prison sentence looming.[2]
You can help. Sign our new petition to call for all charges against Mech Dara to be dropped.
Sign the petition
Just before his release, the Cambodian government broadcasted a video of Dara in prison attire, where he was seemingly forced to apologize publicly and retract his statements.
This move serves to silence not only Dara but all those working to expose industrial-scale trafficking and exploitation where workers, like Rahim, are abused and forced to scam victims around the world.[3]
Take action
Just days after Dara was arrested, our community sent direct messages to the Cambodian authorities to release him. A few weeks later they did. So, we know that our actions can make a difference.
We have their attention, now we need to drive up the pressure.
Add your signature
Keep the momentum going and demand that all charges are droppedso that Dara, and others fighting to expose human trafficking, can continue their essential work without fear.
Thank you for your continued support and vigilance.
In solidarity,
Ellie and the team that supports the Freedom United community
| Ellie Finkelstein Campaigner and News Editor, Freedom United |
[1] https://www.freedomunited.org/news/forced-to-scam/
[3] https://www.freedomunited.org/news/pressure-cambodia-free-mech-dara/
