Information ministry spokesman Meas Sophorn speaks at a press conference in 2022. Heng Chivoan
The Ministry of Information has robustly defended the freedom of the press in Cambodia, asserting that it is both protected by law and in alignment with the nation’s constitution. This contradicts “concerns raised” by a group of journalist associations.
Meas Sophorn, spokesman for the information ministry highlighted on July 19 the diversity in Cambodia’s media sector, noting its various perspectives and wide range of news stories across both traditional and online outlets.
He assured the public that information is always accessible, countering the narrative put forward by the group of local and regional organisations. The rebuttal comes in response to their July 18 joint statement.
The statement, titled “Government advances censorship of critical news sites in the lead-up to national elections”, expressed serious concern over the government’s decision to block specific media websites ahead of the national election.
The joint statement was endorsed by various organisations, including the Cambodian Centre for Independent Media (CCIM), the Cambodian Journalists Allicance Association (CamboJA), the International Federation of Journalists, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia, the Association Journalist Timor-Leste, and the Alliance of Independent Journalists in Indonesia.
Ith Sothoeut, Media director of CCIM, argued that information is crucial for democratic society and blocking websites infringes on people’s right to information.
CamboJA executive director Nop Vy said that critical information is especially important during election periods, and limiting access to information sources could impact the integrity of the election.
Responding to the statements, Sophorn dismissed their concerns as an attempt to obscure the misconduct of certain media outlets.
The spokesman further singled out Radio Free Asia and the Cambodia Daily Khmer as examples of such outlets.
“These media outlets have disseminated unauthorised news, breaching professional standards. They have circulated unbalanced and sensationalised stories, contravening the ethical and professional code of journalists,” he said.
He dismissed their accusations regarding restrictions on press freedom in Cambodia as baseless, claiming that these criticisms hold no value.
Sophorn maintained that the freedom of the press in Cambodia is not restricted but warned against the actions of media outlets that break the law, and act unethically and unprofessionally.
He urged institutions not to use the upcoming election as a pretext to cover their own mistakes and nefarious intentions.
Chin Malin, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, echoed Sophorn’s sentiments. He stressed the importance of the media spreading accurate information that respects legal principles and the ethical and professional code of journalists.
“As long as the media refrain from disseminating information that incites or mobilises people and causes social chaos, they will not face legal repercussions,” he said.
