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

  • Ministry taking steps over Thai ‘replica’ of Angkor Wat

    The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has dispatched experts to inspect the ongoing construction of a temple in Wat Phu Man Fah, located in Thailand’s Buriram province. This temple appears to be a replica of Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Wat. The ministry said

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodia claims int’l titles in eight-sided arena

    Three prominent Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters – Thoeun Theara, Phal Sophorn and Roeung Sophorn – all claimed International Professional Combat Council (IPCC) world titles at the September 30 octagonal ring event at Town Arena, although popular Kun Khmer exponent Prum Samnang failed to secure a win in his

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Rapper VannDa bridges borders with beats

    Born in a bustling Cambodian market, a young dreamer named VannDa found his rhythm amid the clatter and chaos. Today, his beats resonate far beyond the shores of his homeland, streaming on platforms like Spotify and capturing the imaginations of hip-hop fans in the region