Joint statement: Media and civil society groups deeply disturbed by government’s decision to revoke VOD’s media license and the sexual harassment of a female reporter
On 13 February 2023, 93 Media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) released a joint statement to express their deeply disturbed by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s order to revoke the license of Voice of Democracy (VOD), and also condemn the recent sexual harassment and intimidation of a female VOD journalist.
They also call on the government to resolve the issue in a calm, professional, and respectful manner that is in line with Cambodian law and that does not do lasting damage to Cambodia’s media landscape. They hope the government, through relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, will join us in calling for Mr. Pheng Vannak and others to apologize to the reporter who authored the VOD article in question and to stop his blatant acts of sexual harassment directed towards female reporters. Lastly, they hope the government acknowledges the essential role of VOD and its journalists, along with the remaining independent media outlets in the country, and their right to do their work in accordance with the law and without fear of intimidation and harassment.
Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA)
