Freedom of the press?

After the fracas last week, with the PM calling Radio Free Asia and their journalist, Keo Nimol, rude and insolent, the journalist has gone into hiding.

IFJ President Christopher Warren expressed surprise that the prime minister would challenge a journalist so personally and forcefully, simply for asking a straightforward question.

“It is unacceptable that the prime minister has so publicly shown such contempt and disrespect for a journalist and the role of media in a democratic society,” Warren said.

“I urge Prime Minister Hun Sen to publicly clarify his comments in a way that will leave no one in any doubt as to the Cambodian government’s commitment to the democratic process and the media's role in this – that is, promoting discussion and transparency for open democratic process,” he said. (Source)

Keo fears for his safety after the PM started making enquiries about real name, his background and political affiliations. He has good reason to fear. Those who oppose the CPP or make statements often have "accidents", that are of course completely unrelated to the statement. It's pure coincidence that the labour union leaders were victims of street crime.

It is possible that the PM wants to an example of Keo to keep other journalists from speaking out against his "democratic" government. Except that this is a completely trumped up situation. Keo asked a legitimate political question in a professional manner and now is in hiding, fearful for his life.

“The prime minister is only undermining the principles of democracy by attempting to discredit and silence those who question the power structures”, Warren said.

“In the name of press freedom and journalist safety in Cambodia, the prime minister must act to end the intimidation, or face the disapproval of the international community,” he said.

Yeah that's true, except that the PM doesn't care what the international community thinks of him. For him, Cambodia culture is superior to all others which means that he will accept aid for development but not a single suggestion on the means to strengthen the rule of law or end impunity. The fact that Keo could not write under his real name does not exactly paint a great picture of a free press in Cambodia.