The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) extends its full support and solidarity to its affiliate, the Cambodian Association for the Protection of Journalists (CAPJ), and all journalists in Cambodia as they prepare to report on the conduct and outcome of the country’s national elections on July 27.

In the wake of the shocking murder of senior reporter Khi Sambo, of the Opposition-owned Moneakseka Khmer, and his son, who were gunned down in Phnom Penh on July 11, the IFJ urges all journalists, editors and media owners to ensure that the safety and protection of journalists is a high priority during the election and its aftermath.

“Editorial independence, access to information and the safety of journalists are principles of press freedom that the Cambodian media must be granted in order to provide fair and balanced reporting of the election and its outcome.”

Recent interference by the Government, including the forced closure of a newspaper supplement and radio station, have raised alarm among the Cambodian media about the freedom of journalists to report on all political perspectives.

On May 19, the Ministry of Information reportedly ordered the English language Cambodia Daily to cease publishing its supplementary section, the Burma Daily, allegedly because of a reported violation of the media enterprise’s licence agreement.

On May 28, a radio station broadcasting on FM 105.25 reportedly stopped its broadcast under instruction from the Government, again allegedly due to licensing issues. The station had sold its broadcasting hours to Opposition parties in Kratie province.

On June 8, the editor-in-chief of Moneakseka Khmer was arrested and jailed for one week on charges of defamation and disinformation filed by Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong.

“Free media is intrinsic to any successful democracy. For a free and fair election, the people of Cambodia must be provided with diverse and critical points of view. It is the responsibility of Cambodia’s journalists to disseminate this information.”

The IFJ calls on Cambodia’s Government, national officials, opposition leaders and local authorities to guarantee journalists and media institutions are not obstructed in preparing news reports before, during and after the elections.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide