(ANSA) – ROME, AUGUST 04 – Cambodian journalists are victims of pressure, interference and controls in their work and this constitutes a threat to democracy in the country. This is what the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has revealed, denouncing the growing restrictions on civic space and freedom of the press in Cambodia.
A survey carried out by the UN Office through interviews with 75 Cambodian journalists found that all of them suffered some form of interference in the course of their work and 80% of those interviewed said they had been the victim of surveillance and restrictions. disproportionate or unnecessary, in particular as regards access to information.
In the country, several laws give the authorities the power to censor the media and to put journalists under surveillance. Furthermore, the measures taken in time of the pandemic, the UN reports, have expanded the government’s ability to restrict media work and freedom of expression. There are currently 23 proceedings pending against journalists accused of disinformation, defamation or incitement.
“Free, independent and pluralistic media play a central role in any democratic society. When we support freedom of the media, we support justice, good governance and human rights,” said High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. “I urge the authorities to follow our recommendations to ensure that the media can do their vital work fairly and transparently, for the benefit of all Cambodians,” she insisted.
Already last January the UN had pointed the finger at the violations of human rights in Cambodia on the occasion of the arrest and detention of 29 union leaders and activists during a strike that began on New Year’s Eve. (HANDLE).
Source: Ansa
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