Government should choose to embrace online dialogue rather than censorship: CCHR

Government should choose to embrace online dialogue rather than censorship

PHNOM PENH, December 17 -- The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”) expresses its concern at recent reports from Radio Free Asia and other media outlets suggesting that the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) is considering “shutting down” the popular news and opinion website KI-media (ki-media.blogspot.com). On December 16, Radio Free Asia reported that Var Kimhong, Cambodia’s senior minister in charge of border affairs, stated in reference to KI-media: “I asked the government to shut down this website on 31 December, soon.”

KI-media is a blog that collates daily news articles from various sources, presents opinion pieces and satirical cartoons, publishes press releases, and provides a forum for other content submitted by users. The website banner states that the site is “dedicated to publishing sensitive information about Cambodia.” At times the content is heavily critical of the RGC and some articles have been followed by crude and at times offensive comments from users. However, KI-media is also a source for valuable discussion, dialogue and debate about issues like human rights, democracy, and accountability that are not often covered in detail, if at all, in Cambodia’s mainstream media.

CCHR is concerned that government officials are publicly suggesting censoring websites critical of the government. Freedom of opinion and expression is the foundation for every free and democratic society. Cambodia has a poor record of respect for freedom of expression. Politicians past and present have sought to intimidate and suppress critics, rather than respond with reasoned argument. The current RGC has exercised tight control over television and radio licensing in an effort to control the news and opinions accessible to the people. However, to date the RGC has generally avoided internet censorship.

CCHR expresses a hope that the RGC will continue to reject the internet censorship policies implemented by some of its authoritarian neighbors and allies. New media has proven a dynamic force for positive change throughout the world and has, in many instances, exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of state censorship. CCHR encourages Cambodia’s internet users and contributors to continue opening up new areas of debate and discussion and encourages the RGC to join this new online dialogue rather than attempt to shut it down. As a quote submitted for publication by one KI-media user notes, “censorship reflects a society’s lack of confidence in itself.” It is time for us to show that we are mature and confident enough as a society to resolve disputes through reasoned argument rather than suppression and intimidation.

For more information, please contact:

Ou Virak

President

Cambodian Center for Human Rights

Tel: +855 12 404 051

Email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org