A DAY after one of Cambodia’s few independent media outlets was shut at his order, Prime Minister Hun Sen declared that Voice of Democracy radio will not be allowed to reopen despite pleas and protests from around the world.
Voice of Democracy, better known as VoD, was closed on Monday after Hun Sen said it had not properly apologised for a story that he claimed had slandered his son, Lt-Gen Hun Manet. The story said his son had signed a document on his father’s behalf authorising a US$100,000 (RM440,000) donation for quake relief for Turkey.
Hun Sen said the article misrepresented the facts and that only the prime minister has the authority to make decisions on foreign aid.
VoD acknowledged it had made a mistake, but Hun Sen said its statement was unsatisfactory.
The Information Ministry said VoD’s licence was revoked “because it has seriously violated the ethics of professional journalism and did not make a correction according to press law, affecting the honour and prestige of the government”.
Hun Sen has led Cambodia with an iron fist for 38 years, and has declared that he wants Hun Manet, who also is army commander, to succeed him.
VoD has reported extensively on sensitive issues such as land grabbing and criminal gangs that operate with near impunity in carrying out internet scams using employees, especially foreigners, who are tricked into working under conditions of near slavery.
The closing of VoD triggered criticism from rights groups and some Western governments.
Many noted that the action came ahead of a general election scheduled for July. There was a similar crackdown on the media ahead of the last election in 2018. At that time, a controversial court ruling before the polls also dissolved the only credible opposition force, the Cambodia National Rescue Party.
“This is a blatant attempt to slam the door on what’s left of independent media in the country, and a clear warning to other critical voices months before national elections.
“The prime minister should immediately withdraw this heavy-handed and disproportionate order,” said Amnesty International’s deputy regional director, Hana Young.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price, speaking on Monday in Washington, said the closure was “troubling given the impact it will have on information ahead of the national elections in July”.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk likewise expressed alarm that VoD’s licence had been revoked.
“I call on the government of Cambodia to rescind this troubling decision, to protect the rights of all, and to ensure an enabling environment for civil society, including independent media outlets,” he said in a statement. — AP
