"With Increase in Arrests and Intimidation, Press Freedom Remains Precarious", 03 May 2020

The run up to Press Freedom Day, …, has seen the Cambodian government make numerous arrests for alleged fake news posts and the arrest an online journalist for reporting the prime minister’s speech, with officials justifying these actions in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Media organizations, reporters, editors and rights groups have expressed serious concern over Cambodian government’s continuing crackdown on journalists and curtailment of freedom of expression for Cambodian citizens.

Soth Sokprathna, a reporter at Voice of Democracy, …, when the government launched a crackdown on the opposition and independent media organizations, he has been concerned about reporting in a restrictive environment, …

“As we have seen that quoting the Prime Minister's speech can result in being jailed and the institution being closed down,” he said. “So, I am worried to report and, now, I report more carefully.”…

Additionally, rights groups Licadho and Human Rights Watch have recorded at least 30 arrests linked to alleged fake news about the novel coronavirus. The groups report that 14 of these arrests have resulted in charges and detention…

The government actions over the past two years were reflected in this year’s Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, where Cambodia ranked 144 of 180 nations. The group pointed out that the Cambodian government had managed to enhance its system for cracking down on dissent…

Nop Vy, media director at the Cambodian Center for Independent Media, said the government was quick to use the criminal code against journalists, when it should instead use provisions of the Law on Press…