Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith has voiced support for the promotion of press freedom in Cambodia, but expressed disappointment with countries he said were guilty of “double standards”, according to the Phnom Penh municipal information department.
The ministry promotes freedom of speech, which has allowed Cambodians to exercise these rights “equally and without fear”, though within the confines of the law, Kanharith said in the department’s statement on April 29.
“Promoting these freedoms is to enable all Cambodian people to make informed decisions regarding their leaders. Therefore, I hope that all of our compatriots domestically and abroad will continue to support the principle of freedom of speech and the principle of press freedom,” he was quoted as saying.
The minister also touched on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which he said resulted in a number of broadcasters and other media outlets being shut down – an act he viewed as an infringement on speech and press freedoms.
Kanharith also called for a “single standard” for press freedom to be exercised by all countries, which he contended would be conducive to peace as well as free decision-making and other freedoms for all.
Cambodia is set to observe the 29th World Press Freedom Day on May 3, under the theme “Journalism Under Digital Siege”. Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) deputy commander and Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) commander Lieutenant General Hun Manet is due to attend the event on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
