Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Government silent on cybercrimes draft law

Government silent on cybercrimes draft law

Government silent on cybercrimes draft law

Government officials yesterday continued to decline to comment on a leaked draft law on cybercrime that contains provisions rights groups say are very concerning to freedom of expression online.

Article 19, the London-based group that obtained an English-language leaked draft, said in a statement that with a draft in the public’s hands authorities could “no longer deflect the legitimate concerns” of civil society organisations.

But Phay Siphan, spokesman from the Council of Ministers, reiterated yesterday that only once an “official document” was released would the government engage in dialogue.

He added, however, that in the meantime the government would “consider NGO ideas and suggestions” on how the law could be improved.

“We welcome to any input from the NGOs, but we reserve our right to make any decision according to the interests of the nation,” he said.

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, when asked whether the government wished to control social media, simply responded: “I told you nearly [a] million times. No.”

He added that the law stipulates that “any offences committed through the media must be dealt with [through] the Press Law”, but wasn’t sure if this included social media.

The draft law would criminalise online publications that defame the government or affect “political cohesiveness”.

Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, said the lack of transparency validates concerns about its “motivation”.

“I think the few millions of people, especially the youth, who are active internet users need to have their say on this law, and the government should consider listening to them or risk losing their support,” he said.

Naly Pilorge, director of rights group Licadho, said the internet, “effectively the freest media space”, should be protected not attacked, and called on officials to release a copy of the draft in Khmer.

“If the government is interested in an open, participatory approach . . . there is nothing that prevents them from sharing drafts and receiving comments at each stage in
the process.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one