Media Experts Worry About Declining Freedom

Hang Chakra, the publisher of Khmer Mchas Srok newspaper who was detained in 2010, told “Hello VOA” Thursday the paper had been doing well until he was held under criminal disinformation and defamation charges. (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer

Washington, DC Tuesday, 10 May 2011

“We are not killers murdering someone, and we aren’t robbers.”

Media experts say freedom of expression is on the decline in Cambodia, especially as journalists have recently been detained under criminal disinformation.

Hang Chakra, the publisher of Khmer Mchas Srok newspaper who was detained in 2010, told “Hello VOA” Thursday the paper had been doing well until he was held under criminal disinformation and defamation charges.

“That made me very disappointed, but now I continue with my work and reform that is balanced,” he said. He has again started publishing his paper, which is supportive of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, about a month ago, following more than a year’s absence.

Moeun Chhean Narridh, director of the Cambodian Institute for Media Studies, who was also a guest on “Hello VOA” Thursday, said journalists should not be punished under criminal laws.

CPP can’t stomach criticisms: CPP MP Cheam Yeap in denial

CPP comrade Cheam Yeap (Photo: RFA)

15 Sept 2010
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Soch

Yesterday, CPP MP Cheam Yeap declared while NOT HAVING SEEN YET the report critical of the government on freedom of expression issued by the civil society that this report lacks balance and it opposes the government. Cheam Yeap told The Phnom Penh Post: “I think that the NGOs use their rights and freedom of expression with this report, but the CPP cannot accept the wrong criticisms leveled in this report. This is not fair for the government.” He also rejected the criticism claiming that Cambodia is moving toward a single-party state because the CPP is already planning to win 120 seats out of the total of 123 seats at the National Assembly during the upcoming election. He added that if there is only party, then it would be “contrary to Cambodia’s Constitution.” He confirmed that “democracy and freedom of expression must respect the law which pays close attention to democracy, just like a person taking good care of his own eyes. We respect the UN bill of rights stipulation on democracy and human rights.” (sic!)

Four IFEX members, allies express concern over deteriorating free expression environment [in Cambodia

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Bangkok, 17 July 2009 - The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) and its members and allies working for the promotion and protection of free expression in Southeast Asia have issued an open letter to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, denouncing a "rapidly and palpably deteriorating environment for free expression in Cambodia."

The groups and advocates have noted a rash of attacks against journalists, lawyers, advocates, and parliamentarians over the past year that has severely restricted the space for press freedom and political speech in Cambodia. SEAPA says Cambodia's leaders must be taken to task for the situation, stressing that violations of people's rights to free expression are ultimately a regional problem and concern. The open letter calls attention to Cambodia in the context not only of its constitutional guarantees for free expression, but also in light of the current 42nd Ministerial Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which is taking place in Phuket, Thailand. The ASEAN's task this week to adopt Terms of Reference for the formation of an ASEAN Human Rights Body, SEAPA said, takes on significance and urgency precisely because of situations such as those unfolding for the free expression environment in Cambodia.

Click here to read SEAPA letter's to Hun Sen (PDF)