Cambodia: journalists wrongly detained for reporting
Journalists reporting on land clearing in Phnom Tamao forest arrested alongside human rights activists.
The National Union of Journalists has joined the International Federation of Journalists and sister union Cambodian Journalists Alliance, in condemning the detention of journalists by authorities.
Five journalists from independent media site VOD were held by BHQ officers, led by the Prime Minister’s bodyguard unit. Reports indicate two were assaulted in detention with reasons including a refusal to provide access to phones. Activists detained with the group include Khmer Thavarak who had requested permission from Provincial Agriculture Department to verify where land clearing had occurred.
The journalists were released after seven hours only once they signed a contract agreeing they had captured footage without approval. Land clearing is widely condemned by the public and journalists in Cambodia often face hostility from the authorities when reporting on environmental issues.
The NUJ is calling for increased protection for journalists and for authorities to cease arbitrary detention.
The IFJ said:
"The assault and detainment of journalists reporting on issues in the public interest is a gross violation of press freedom. All media workers must be able to carry out their work safely and securely. The IFJ condemns the detainment and assault of journalists and activists in Phnom Tamao forest and calls on the Cambodian authorities to uphold freedom of expression and information.”