Reporting on Sonando Case Shows Differences in Local Media

3 October 2012
The Cambodia Daily
censorship / freedom of expression / Human Rights / justice system / Kampuchea Thmey Daily / Khmer-language media / Koh Santepheap / Local media / Mam Sonando / national TV / Newspapers / Rasmei Kampuchea / television stations

The 20-year jail sentence for independent radio station owner Mam Sonando made headlines around the world yesterday, but coverage of Mr. Sonando's case was markedly different in local Khmer-language media yesterday, particularly national TV where not a mention was made. While the three major Khmer-language newspapers- Rasmei Kampuchea, Koh Santepheap, and Kampuchea Thmey Daily-ran front page stories on the sentencing, only one, Rasmei Kampuchea, quoted sources critical of the sentences. ... While international news outlets ran stories that questioned the legitimacy of the verdict-"Another critic is silenced in Cambodia," The New York Times; "Supporters cry foul as veteran Cambodian rights activist gets 20 years," Reuters; "Donors urged to confront Cambodian abuses," The Age-local television stations seemed to ignore the case altogether yesterday. ...