According to rights groups, Cambodia has experienced a worrying decline in basic freedoms as authorities use the legal system to restrict and criminalize human rights work, youth activism, trade unions, independent journalism, opposition politicians, and other voices critical of the government.
CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations tracking fundamental freedoms worldwide says PM Hun Sen recently used the COVID-19 pandemic to implement a state of emergency law that further restricted the fundamental freedoms of Cambodian citizens.
CIVICUS accuses Hun Sen of misusing the criminal justice system to harass and prosecute human rights defenders, unionists, and journalists and shutting down media outlets that highlight democratic regression in Cambodia.
Voice of Democracy (VOD), a news outlet was ordered shut down by Hun after reporting on a false story involving his son and heir apparent Hun Manet on Monday demanding an apology.
European Union embassies in Cambodia expressed their concern at Hun Sen’s closure of VOD, as did Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States but Cambodia’s foreign ministry said the closure of the rule-breaking news organization did not merit any worry at all and accused foreign diplomats who had expressed concern as politically-driven, prejudiced and biased.
PM Hun Sen also warned foreigners to not interfere in Cambodia’s internal affairs
Cambodia Placed On Watchlist Of Repressive States
I'm a senior member at Forsige covering topics on diplomacy and foreign policy relating to Asia and the World.