As Chairperson of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), I am alarmed by the decision of the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to revoke the license of Voice of Democracy (VOD), a media organization run by the NGO, Cambodian Centre for Independent Media. The decision came after the news outlet, known for its independent and critical reporting, published a report on Hun Manet’s (Hun Sen’s eldest son and nominated successor) alleged involvement in approving Cambodia’s financial aid to Turkey.
The revocation of VOD’s license came swiftly even as it immediately issued an apology for what Hun Sen alleged as “incorrect information”. The closure is arbitrary, partisan and devoid of due process. With the shutdown of the VOD, the last vestiges of independent media in Cambodia ceased to exist. It also reflects a continuing and worsening trend of persecution directed against members of the press, the political opposition and civil society ahead of the July 2023 elections.
VOD’s shutdown reminds me of the vicious attacks against Rappler and ABS-CBN here in the Philippines. These news outlets were also subjected to court cases or revocation of licenses because they were perceived to be against the powers-that-be. Their plight shows how Philippine democracy has disturbingly deteriorated in recent years.
Independent media is the cornerstone of democracy. As a Liberal and as a Democrat, I appeal to the international community to put a stop to Cambodia’s accelerating slide into autocracy.
Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan CALD Chairperson 14 February 2023
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Categorised in: Statements
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