Video Report | Nehru Pry
In 2019 and 2020, three Siem Reap rappers were using their talent to sing and highlight critical issues facing Cambodians. Rather than look at the issues raised, local authorities chose to take legal action against them. Two of the rappers were arrested and detained, and the third was threatened and asked to stop singing songs critical of the government. One of the rappers, Kea Sokun, had taken to rapping from an early age. He would compose his rhymes and sing them as he scavenged for waste. But, these same raps landed him in trouble last year and a Siem Reap court sentenced him to 18 months in prison for alleged incitement. Sokun’s parents say their son has not committed any crimes and demanded that he be released. This is video report by Pry Nehru looks at Sokun’s songs, his conviction and the parent’s support for the rapper.