Login Register

Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Pageant ban a freedom of expression issue




Pageant ban a freedom of expression issue

| Publication date 07 August 2009 | 08:01 ICT

Pageant ban a freedom of expression issue

Dear Editor,

I think it is very sad when a private art gallery is so intimidated by the arbitrary view of a government ministry that it cancels a legitimate, albeit slightly controversial, photographic exhibit with a decent purpose. I think it speaks very poorly for the state of free speech and free expression.
Historically, the arts have been a haven for free expression when more direct channels were repressed. There's a saying that bad things happen when good people stand by and do nothing. I think it is also very sad that the diplomatic powers lack the will or the courage or the integrity to speak openly, clearly and honestly to affirm the human rights they claim to cherish. I wonder what will happen next in the Kingdom of Wonders?

Jim Mizerski
Phnom Penh

Send letters to: [email protected] or PO Box 146, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Post reserves the right to edit letters to a shorter length.
The views expressed above are solely the author's and do not reflect any positions taken by The Phnom Penh Post.

MOST VIEWED

  • Hungarian exposes 90 to Covid in Siem Reap

    The Ministry of Health has discovered 90 people who have been exposed directly or indirectly to a Hungarian man infected with Covid-19. They all are required to quarantine at home and the hospital. The ministry is searching for other affected people. Among the 90, one is the

  • PM: West unfair to Cambodia

    Prime Minister Hun Sen released a message celebrating the International Day of Peace on Monday, saying that some major powers and western countries had been systemically cooperating to put political pressure on Cambodia as they did in the 1970s and 1980s. Hun Sen said pressuring

  • ‘Bad news is an investor’s best friend’ – unlocking investment potential in Cambodia

    It is time to shop. Economic woes provide good pickings for investors if they know where to look The poem If, written by English Nobel laureate poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling for his son circa 1895, is widely perceived as fatherly advice for John who would

  • PM warns of ‘new Cold War’

    Prime Minister Hun Sen said the possibility of a so-called new Cold War has become a significant concern and that all countries have to reject outright, any attempt to allow history to tragically repeat itself. He made the remarks in a speech during 75th Session

  • PM requests Russia’s Covid vaccine

    Prime Minister Hun Sen has requested that Russia provide Cambodia with its Covid-19 vaccine after the former announced it planned on mass vaccinating its population next month. The request came on Thursday through the prime minister’s Facebook page as he met with Anatoly Borovik,

  • First ‘mobile kitchen’ in Cambodia enters service

    A catering company recently rolled out Cambodia’s first “mobile kitchen” – a $50,000 container capable of serving up to 200 people at a time. The kitchen is the brainchild of Seng Hok Heng Catering Services. At 4.4m-high, 6.8m-long and 2.4m-wide (expandable to 6.8m), the kitchen is equipped

Related articles