Phnom Penh, Cambodia—

The annual report of the Cambodian Journalists Association (CamboJA) said the threat of legal action from the Cambodian government against journalists was increasing, raising concerns about restrictions on press freedom.

The organization monitors incidents of harassment and restrictions on journalists.Pressure on independent media has increased since former Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government came to power Start cracking down Political dissent ahead of the 2018 election. Since then, several independent media organizations have closed, with six media licenses revoked in 2023 and two in 2022.

In the State of the Press in Cambodia 2023 report released on March 20, CamboJA documented 32 cases of harassment by 59 journalists, including six women. In 2022, CamboJA documented 35 cases of harassment against 54 journalists, eight of whom were women.

Of the 32 cases, 15 involved legal proceedings. These include lawsuits, license suspensions, arrests or threats of legal action. At least five journalists have been indicted, charged with crimes or imprisoned.

“We caution against drawing any firm conclusions from these numbers,” the report said, adding that some journalists were “understandably hesitant to report for fear of further retaliation.”

CamboJA executive director Nop Vy told VOA’s Khmer service that harassment had a significant impact on journalists’ performance and writing. He said this affected people’s right to access information to be fully informed.

“High-quality information can help society when journalists don’t have the time or ability to write in-depth information. People don’t have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of society,” he said.

Knop-We urges the government to prosecute those who harass or intimidate journalists and to end the impunity that allows harassment to continue.

Information Ministry spokesman Tepe Asnaris questioned the report’s findings, citing ministry data showing journalists were able to carry out their duties across the country last year.

“Tens of thousands of journalists, as well as more than 2,000 traditional and modern media outlets, have been dedicated to reporting, producing and disseminating all forms of information, and doing so professionally, transparently, freely and safely at all times. And We have won the trust and support of the broad masses of the people.”

At an editors’ forum in December, Prime Minister Hun Manai said the government’s achievements and successes were due to the collaborative engagement of journalists with the government.

He said the government has always promoted freedom of speech and press and encouraged capacity-building in the field of journalism and the strengthening of media professionalism and ethics.

CamboJA launched a new website in March that will report on harassment of journalists, provide quarterly and annual updates on the status of journalists, provide data sources and support press freedom advocacy efforts.

Press freedom advocate Reporters Without Borders ranked Cambodia 147th out of 180 countries in 2023 due to the government’s escalating persecution of independent media.

Sir David in Phnom Penh contributed to this report.