Cambodia’s Voice of Democracy information outlet shut down after riling PM Hun Sen
One of Cambodia’s final remaining free press shops, Voice of Democracy has been shut down by Prime Minister Hun Sen, sparking outcry from rights teams.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 14, 2023 14:20 IST
Voice of Democracy’s recording room at its Phnom Penh workplace lies vacant after its closure (AFP picture)
By India Today Web Desk: One of Cambodia’s final remaining impartial information organisations, Voice of Democracy (VOD), has been shut down by Prime Minister Hun Sen simply months forward of nationwide elections.
The transfer has been condemned by rights teams as a blow to impartial media in a rustic which ranks 142 of 180 areas within the Press Freedom Index.
An area outlet run by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media, VOD revealed radio and on-line studies about labour and rights points, environmental crime and political corruption.
It reported final week that Hun Manet, son of the prime minister, allegedly signed an settlement to donate $100,000 of assist to Turkey, which was rocked by a catastrophic earthquake on February 6. According to CNN, the report alluded to an obvious overstep of authority by Hun Manet, who serves as a lieutenant common and a high-level commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.
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Hun Sen refuted the report and issued statements on Facebook accusing the outlet of attacking his son, who is ready to succeed him as prime minister, and hurting the “dignity and reputation” of the Cambodian authorities.
He additionally refused to just accept an official apology from VOD and added that its newsroom workers “should look for jobs elsewhere.”
Government officers revoked VOD’s working license on Monday and blocked its web sites in English and Khmer. All broadcasts got here to a cease the identical day at 10 am (native time).
VOD was often important of the federal government and its crackdown on human rights. Its shutdown comes as Hun Sen, who has served as Cambodia’s prime minister since 1985, is eyeing one other time period in energy after the elections in July this 12 months.
“Going after VOD is a good indication that scheduled July 23 poll will be neither free nor fair,” mentioned Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson in a press release.
VOD’s closure comes amid a broader crackdown on Cambodia’s free press. During Hun Sen’s tenure, a number of impartial newspapers and web sites have been shut down and dozens of opposition figures jailed or pressured into exile.
A September 2022 report primarily based on UN findings had said that impartial media in Cambodia proceed to return below assault, with journalists harassed and retaliated towards. “Radio stations and newspapers have been silenced, newsrooms purged, and journalists prosecuted,” the report mentioned.
Edited By:
Devika Bhattacharya
Published On:
Feb 14, 2023
