Government advances censorship of critical news sites in the lead-up to national election

Description

The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) was ordered by the Ministry of Information to block the websites and social media pages of several independent media outlets and a public database.

The TRC’s order implies that the censorship is due to coverage that was critical of the government, claiming that the media outlets and database publish information that “affects the government’s honor and prestige.”

Blocking these sites has restricted access to websites and social media pages associated with the Cambodia Daily and Radio Free Asia, and the public database, Kamnotra, which is run by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM).
In the lead up to the national election, which was held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, the
government moved to suppress Cambodian citizens’ rights, particularly the right to access information.

Information
Is the case related to their journalistic work?
Yes
Number of attacked persons or entities related to media
3
Do they work as freelance or media?
Yes
Position in media
Other
Status of journalists
Other
Gender
Data not collected
Age
Unknown
Country
Phnom Penh Capital
Full name or name of group
Data not collected
Background (state actor or non state actor)
State actor (Police officer, Military officer, Government, public institution, etc)
Gender
Unknown
Is it related to gender and identity based violence?
No
Attack mention about gender background/sexual wording?
No
Date of incident
Type of incident
Internet shutdown
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The Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) was ordered by the Ministry of
Information to block the websites and social media pages of several independent media
outlets and a public database.
The TRC’s order implies that the censorship is due to coverage that was critical of the
government, claiming that the media outlets and database publish information that “affects
the government’s honor and prestige.”
Blocking these sites has restricted access to websites and social media pages associated
with the Cambodia Daily and Radio Free Asia, and the public database, Kamnotra, which is
run by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM).
In the lead up to the national election, which was held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, the
government moved to suppress Cambodian citizens’ rights, particularly the right to access
information.