VOA Editorials
The following is an editorial reflecting the views of US Gov't
Five Cambodian journalists were recently honored by their professional colleagues for outstanding investigative reporting. The five top winners of the Club of Cambodian Journalists’ “Investigative Journalism Awards Competition”, received their awards at a ceremony in Phnom Penh. The competition was organized with the support of the U.S. Embassy, in order to encourage the Cambodian press to play a stronger watchdog role in the country’s nascent democracy and advocate for greater transparency.
Mr. Oum Layum, of Rasmei Kampuchea Newspaper, took first place for his reporting on land disputes and land management issues in Cambodia’s O’Chrov area. Mr. Leang Delux, Miss Ung Chan Sophea, Mr. Hang Sokmony, and Mr. Neth Pheaktra took second through fifth place honors for reporting dealing with issues ranging from the efficiency of public services to charges of medical malpractice.
In his remarks at the awards ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli told the journalists, “By bringing the issues you have written about to the attention of the Cambodian public, you are helping Cambodia to achieve the promise of democracy.”
“It certainly isn’t easy for a journalist to stand up against the authority of a government and the power of the wealthy to tell the people the truths others would seek to keep hidden,” said Ambassador Mussomeli. “Holding government and politicians to account is one of the most important roles the press plays in a vibrant democracy,” he said. Ambassador Mussomeli paid tribute to those journalists who work, often in great danger, to uncover corruption and mismanagement by government officials.
He noted also that “journalists have a responsibility too: to be fair and balanced; to not engage in corruption by accepting bribes or engaging in self-censorship; and of course to always consider accuracy the touchstone of their profession.”
Ambassador Mussomeli said Cambodia has made progress in press freedom. But arrests and intimidation of journalists continue. And lawsuits brought by high government officials restrict free speech and inhibit the watchdog role of the media. Cambodia’s media, said Ambassador Mussomeli, “are the custodians of conscience” for their country.
Mr. Oum Layum, of Rasmei Kampuchea Newspaper, took first place for his reporting on land disputes and land management issues in Cambodia’s O’Chrov area. Mr. Leang Delux, Miss Ung Chan Sophea, Mr. Hang Sokmony, and Mr. Neth Pheaktra took second through fifth place honors for reporting dealing with issues ranging from the efficiency of public services to charges of medical malpractice.
In his remarks at the awards ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli told the journalists, “By bringing the issues you have written about to the attention of the Cambodian public, you are helping Cambodia to achieve the promise of democracy.”
“It certainly isn’t easy for a journalist to stand up against the authority of a government and the power of the wealthy to tell the people the truths others would seek to keep hidden,” said Ambassador Mussomeli. “Holding government and politicians to account is one of the most important roles the press plays in a vibrant democracy,” he said. Ambassador Mussomeli paid tribute to those journalists who work, often in great danger, to uncover corruption and mismanagement by government officials.
He noted also that “journalists have a responsibility too: to be fair and balanced; to not engage in corruption by accepting bribes or engaging in self-censorship; and of course to always consider accuracy the touchstone of their profession.”
Ambassador Mussomeli said Cambodia has made progress in press freedom. But arrests and intimidation of journalists continue. And lawsuits brought by high government officials restrict free speech and inhibit the watchdog role of the media. Cambodia’s media, said Ambassador Mussomeli, “are the custodians of conscience” for their country.
8 comments:
the recent killing of journalist is a call for strong law to protect journalists and the media. it is not right for anyone to kill another person just because they disagree with each other's point of view or something. apparently, it goes to show a weak protection of human rights in cambodia, especially if gov't don't do something in its power to find the killer or the culprit. in the USA, they put out a large monetary reward for people to encourage them who are witness to come out to the law enforcers.
So Hun Sen what you waiting for how about you ask the authority to enforce human right law, instead of just bragging about your non-sense all the time.
You're not leader of the country just to scratch your ass.
So move your ass donkey.
Kanharith does your government have any clue who kill Khim Sambo.
Where is the result of the investigation?
I hope you don't use the landmine dog for this purpose.
If Cambodia is not protecting journalist we will become a nation of silent lambs. The Hun Sen government should protect journalists, because they are the voice of Cambodia.
The shooters told me if any one have any question about the killing of Ah troublemaker journalist to got see him. He will be with Osama Bin Ladden.
Obviously the CPP is not very hot to protect the people's right so it time for a change Cambodia!
That is too many journalists. Cambodia is only a dot on the globe. Get them outta here.
With the help of the FBI that motherfucker wouldn't stand a chance.
Simple if the CPP cannot find that murderer on the 27th we'll find another leader who can do the job.
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