Social Media Challenges ‘Official’ Version of Events
Seeing is believing—particularly in a country where the government controls the broadcast media and current affairs news, aired on pro-ruling party TV and radio, is often at odds with the country’s few independent media outlets. But in the aftermath of a violent clash between striking garment workers and police near Stung Meanchey bridge on Tuesday, which left one bystander dead, the government’s official version of events has been refuted by videos posted online and disseminated through social networking sites. In an age when smartphones are becoming commonplace and Internet access is expanding, the government is unable to control what images people get to see. … Police officials, for their part, have denied firing live rounds and said they only used tear gas and rubber bullets. In a video posted online by local rights group Licadho on Wednesday, the footage clearly shows at least two riot police officers facing toward protesters and firing their pistols repeatedly. … Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the footage online of the police operation was one-sided, and failed to note the violent acts being committed by the protesters. Mr. Siphan said the government was unconcerned by critical reports on social media, as the ruling party has “our own system to explain to our people [what really happened].” … Am Sam Ath, senior monitor for the local rights group Licadho, said that videos shared over social media were forcing both the CPP and CNRP to account for their actions. … However, Chhay Thy, Ratanakkiri provincial monitor for the rights group Adhoc, said that the reach of social media was still limited in many rural areas. “Most of the people in this remote province [Ratanakkiri] are not able to use social media to follow current events,” he said. Still, the fact that social media has been so effective in offering an alternative to official government reports has raised concerns among civil society that the government may seek to limit its reach, said Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia. …
Kuch Naren and Colin Meyn
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/social-media-challenges-official-version-of-events-47012/
