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Luke Hunt began his career in journalism in the early 1980s after traveling through what was then some of the world’s trouble-spots, including Northern Ireland and the south of Morocco. Hunt initially worked for Australian Associated Press and then Agence France-Presse where he served as bureau chief in Afghanistan and Cambodia and later as Deputy Economics Editor for Asia. Additionally, he has covered conflicts in Iraq, Sri Lanka, Kashmir and currently focuses on Southeast Asia and regional trouble spots like Burma and the Southern Philippines. In 1999, he was commended by the UN special envoy Lahkdar Brahimi for the ‘best and most insightful” coverage of the Afghan civil war. Four years later he was the first journalist to cross the Diyala River into Baghdad with the US Marines. Hunt has featured in several documentaries including the the ‘Journos’ series produced for SBS Australia and covered the Khmer Rouge tribunals for The Times of London. He writes for The Economist, The Diplomat, The Edge Review and occasionally The New York Times and The Age in Melbourne. Hunt is an Academic Program Professor with Pannasastra University in Cambodia and has won awards with the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA).
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Portfolio
Cambodian orphanage: Ex-head stole US$1.4 million, molested children, inquiry finds
Sothea Arun, former head of the Cambodian orphanage Sovann Komar, is accused of stealing US$1.4 million and molesting children. An inquiry revealed that he lived an extravagant lifestyle funded by misappropriated donations, while children under his care suffered abuse. Despite evidence and recommendations for his detention, he continues to operate other orphanages. The US Embassy in Phnom Penh has been informed, and Sovann Komar is cooperating with authorities to bring him to justice. Elizabeth Ross Johnson, heiress of Johnson & Johnson, was an early supporter of Sovann Komar.
James Ricketson: the ‘spy’ who loved Cambodia, and paid for it
James Ricketson, an Australian filmmaker, faced a legal ordeal in Cambodia after being arrested for flying a drone over an opposition rally without a permit. Accused of espionage and jeopardizing national security, Ricketson's trial revealed his struggles as a filmmaker and his inability to separate journalism from political activism. Despite a defense built around his credibility as an independent journalist and humanitarian, the court was not convinced, leading to his conviction. The article details Ricketson's time in prison, the support he received, and the lack of concrete evidence presented by the prosecution. The case raised questions about the Cambodian judiciary's impartiality and the political climate under the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
Cambodian leader’s civil war threat put to the test by vote
Why does sunny Cambodia attract such shady characters?
Cambodia, known for its sunny disposition, has paradoxically attracted a variety of criminals and controversial figures due to its history of lawlessness, corruption, and relaxed visa policies. High-profile individuals such as Gary Glitter and Hambali found refuge in Cambodia, while others like Alexander Trofimov faced legal consequences for their actions. The country's political connections have also provided sanctuary for figures like Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite efforts to rehabilitate its image, recent events continue to challenge Cambodia's reputation.
Is Vietnam’s new religion law a smokescreen for political repression?
Vietnam's new religion law is facing criticism for potentially being a tool for political repression. The Government Committee for Religious Affairs claims it will help manage religious practices and prevent threats to national unity. However, over 50 political, human rights, and religious groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, oppose the law, arguing it contains vague terms that could be used to persecute disliked groups. The law requires religious appointments to promote national unity and mandates religious education to include Vietnamese history and law. Critics argue that the Vietnamese government views religion as something to control rather than respect, and the new law could unfairly target religious institutions. The issue of regulating religion is complex, as seen in other Southeast Asian countries, and demands a balance between tolerance and control.
Will Trump leave us to China’s mercy, frets Vietnam
Donald Trump's unexpected victory in the US election has caused concern in Vietnam, where a win by Hillary Clinton was expected to continue favorable policies towards the country. Vietnam has closely followed the election due to its strategic importance in countering China's regional ambitions and the significant Vietnamese-American community in the US. The article highlights the potential confusion and uncertainty a Trump presidency could bring to US-Vietnam relations, especially regarding the Trans Pacific Partnership and defense cooperation. Public opinion in Vietnam is divided, with some favoring Trump's strong stance against China, while others are repulsed by him.
Why Cambodia is pinning its hopes on Chinese president’s visit
Cambodian rice farmers, including Path Chanthorn, are facing hardships due to falling rice prices and are looking forward to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit for potential aid. Prime Minister Hun Sen's government has requested $300 million in emergency aid from China and aims to increase trade. Hun Sen's alignment with China, especially on the South China Sea issue, has won Beijing's support but strained relations with neighbors like Vietnam. Cambodia's reliance on China has grown amidst declining foreign investment, particularly from Vietnam. Analyst Billy Chia-Lung Tai suggests that China's financial support is strategically beneficial for them in Southeast Asia. The upcoming visit may result in numerous agreements and aid packages, while Cambodia's role as China's ally could be affected by shifting alliances, such as the Philippines under Duterte. Hun Sen is criticized for favoring economic progress without political concessions, contrasting with Western aid tied to human rights.
Will Chinese money be enough to ward off dissent against Cambodian strongman Hun Sen?
Cambodia's reliance on Chinese financial support has grown significantly, especially under the leadership of Hun Sen, who faces increasing domestic dissent and international skepticism. China's economic aid has bolstered Cambodia's economy and political stance, particularly in the South China Sea dispute. However, public discontent is rising due to political repression, corruption, and the recent assassination of analyst Kem Ley. The Cambodian People's Party's diminishing popularity and the changing demographics pose challenges for Hun Sen, who hopes to maintain power through economic growth driven by Chinese investments.
Khmer Rouge jailer awaits judgment day
Duch, the former Khmer Rouge jailer and overseer of the notorious S21 prison, is set to hear the verdict in his trial. He has been described as a calculating and intelligent individual who apologized for his actions. Evidence presented at the trial revealed the systematic and brutal methods of torture and execution he employed. Duch's journey to the war crimes court began when he was discovered by British photographer Nic Dunlop in 1999. Throughout the trial, Duch admitted his role but attempted to minimize his personal responsibility. In a surprising turn, he changed his plea to not guilty and dismissed his French lawyer, requesting a Chinese lawyer instead. Prosecutors are seeking a 40-year jail term, and the director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, Youk Chhang, criticized Duch's last-minute resistance and plea change, suggesting that Duch remains unchanged from the S21 prison chief known 31 years ago.
Greens hail deal to protect Borneo's pristine 'Lost World'
The decision to protect Borneo's Maliau Basin, hailed by scientists and conservationists, marks a significant victory for environmental conservation. The Sabah state government's move to nominate the basin as a World Heritage site by Unesco is seen as a step towards preserving one of Southeast Asia's last undisturbed forests. The basin, rich in biodiversity and unexplored territories, faces threats from timber and mining sectors. However, changing global opinions, climate change concerns, and potential eco-tourism and carbon trading revenues have influenced the decision. Key stakeholders like Sime Darby are expected to fund long-term scientific studies, highlighting a shift towards sustainable financing and conservation.
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