South African journalist, currently in Hungary. Recently left Cambodia after a decade spent there reporting for TV, radio, print and wire services in the US, UK, Germany and Australia.

In 2015, my acclaimed book on the causes and consequences of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge rule (1975-79) was published....

CNRP Leader Accuses Hun Sen of Constitutional Coup

18 Nov 2015  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy accuses the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of a constitutional coup after a court issued an arrest warrant for him and he was stripped of his parliamentary seat. Rainsy postponed his return to Cambodia from overseas trips due to these developments. Political analyst Ou Virak notes the CPP's return to tactics used before previous elections, involving legal charges to harass the opposition. The opposition CNRP nearly won the 2013 general election, and the CPP's attempts at reform have been difficult, leading to a resort to 'old dirty tactics.' The UN Secretary-General's spokesman expressed concern over the arrest warrant and attacks on opposition MPs, calling for resumed talks. The political climate has been tough for the opposition, with 15 activists jailed and a senator awaiting trial on politically motivated charges. Rainsy's arrest warrant stems from a 2011 defamation conviction related to accusations against Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, which was believed to have been quashed by a royal pardon before the 2013 election.

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Kem Sokha Sam Rainsy Hun Sen Hor Namhong Ban Ki-moon

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Liam Cochrane is the ABC's Southeast Asia correspondent, covering Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos. Previously, the ABC's Papua New Guinea correspondent. Liam started journalism in Cambodia, as a reporter and later Managing Editor of the Phnom Penh Post. He has hosted Radio Australia's ...

Cambodia is holding a 'sham' election in which Hun Sen will retain power, and here's why Australia should care

29 Jul 2018  |  www.abc.net.au  |  English  |  International Relations

Cambodia's upcoming election is widely regarded as a 'sham' designed to extend Prime Minister Hun Sen's 33-year rule. The opposition has been dismantled, and independent media silenced. Australia's involvement is scrutinized, particularly its 2014 refugee deal with Cambodia, which has been criticized for compromising human rights. The article highlights historical ties between Australia and Cambodia, and recent international actions against Hun Sen's regime, including U.S. sanctions. The piece calls for Australia to reconsider its diplomatic stance towards Cambodia.

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Kem Sokha Hun Sen Bill Shorten Malcolm Turnbull Marise Payne Sar Kheng Scott Morrison Phil Robertson Lao Mong Hay Hun Bun Hieng

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I am a Hong Kong-born Irish-Australian journalist and photographer with more than 13 years of experience as a reporter and photojournalist.

Since 2004, I have worked as a staffer for the South China Morning Post, Toronto Star and Cambodia Daily newspapers.

My work has also appeared in The ...

Cambodia’s fragile democracy rocked by newspaper closure and ‘treason’ arrest

06 Sept 2017  |  Equal Times  |  English  |  Political Repression

The Cambodia Daily, an independent English-language newspaper in Cambodia, ceased operations after a dispute over a $6.3 million tax bill. The paper was known for its critical reporting on government actions and support for disenfranchised voices. Its closure coincides with a broader media crackdown, including the shutdown of 18 radio stations and the National Democratic Institute. Additionally, opposition leader Kem Sokha of the Cambodia National Rescue Party was arrested on treason charges, which observers claim is part of a government effort to undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming 2018 elections. International donors are criticized for not holding the government accountable, and the closure of The Cambodia Daily is seen as a significant loss for independent journalism and the training of Cambodian journalists.

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Kem Sokha Bernard Krisher Deborah Krisher-Steele Jodie DeJonge Sophal Ear Sam Rainsy Khieu Kanharith

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Luke Hunt is a journalist and author based in Hong Kong.

Cambodia's Fate Mapped Out by Hun Sen’s Victory

24 Jul 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Power Transition

Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian People’s Party secured a decisive victory in the recent elections, winning 120 out of 125 seats. The U.S. Department of State criticized the election as neither free nor fair, leading to visa restrictions and a pause in certain foreign assistance programs. Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, is expected to take over as prime minister by the end of August, continuing the family's political legacy. Despite his Western education, experts predict little change in Cambodia's political landscape, with ongoing issues such as Chinese naval base construction and the detention of political activists. The election saw a high voter turnout but was marked by a lack of competition and significant security measures.

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Kem Sokha Hun Sen Hun Manet Carl Thayer Bradley Murg Chhim Sithar Theary Seng Astrid Noren-Nilsson

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A freelance political journalist, columnist, commentator and editor...

David Hutt is a political journalist based between the Czech Republic and Britain. He focuses on European foreign policy, Central European politics, and relations between Europe and Asia. He is also an expert on Southeast ...

Cambodia’s Thin-Skinned Princelings Are Forcing Newspapers Out Of The Country. It Isn’t All Bad.

14 Sept 2023  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Freedom of Speech

The Cambodian government, under the leadership of Hun Manet and his cohort, continues to suppress independent journalism and free speech, exemplified by threats against CambojaNews and the closure of Voice of Democracy. Despite these challenges, some media outlets are finding ways to continue their work from abroad, such as VOD's planned relaunch from Tacoma, Washington. The article criticizes the Cambodian People's Party for its bullying tactics and suggests that moving media operations overseas could provide a safer environment for journalists. The piece also highlights the importance of VPNs for accessing blocked content and the potential role of foreign governments in supporting free speech initiatives in Cambodia.

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Kem Sokha Hun Manet Dith Tina Hun Sen

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I am passionate about sharing great stories in the most innovative and engaging way possible. 

An Irish/New Zealand national, my career as a senior broadcast journalist now spans more than 30 years. I worked as a senior journalist, presenter & producer at EuronewsNBC for 14 years and at numerous ...

Cambodian court dissolves main opposition party

16 Nov 2017  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Judicial System

Cambodia's Supreme Court has dissolved the main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, over allegations of plotting a coup. This move, seen as a political repression, strengthens Prime Minister Hun Sen's grip on power ahead of next year's elections. The decision, confirmed by government lawyer Ky Tech, bans 118 opposition members from political activity for five years. Opposition deputy Mu Sochua, speaking from London, vowed to continue the fight for democracy. Current leader Kem Sokha remains jailed on treason charges.

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Kem Sokha Hun Sen Ky Tech Mu Sochua

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Leonie Kijewski is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Cambodian workers weigh the cost of EU’s stand on human rights

10 Nov 2018  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Labor Issues

The European Union is considering suspending its Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement with Cambodia due to human rights violations, particularly in the sugar industry. Cambodian rice farmer Phong Sokhit and other stakeholders hope the government will meet the EU's conditions to avoid economic repercussions. The EU has called for the release of opposition leader Kem Sokha and resolution of land disputes. NGOs and industry representatives have mixed reactions, with some advocating for sector-specific sanctions to minimize broader economic impact. The Cambodian government has yet to show signs of compliance, raising concerns about potential job losses in the garment sector.

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Kem Sokha Phong Sokhit Hun Sen Cecilia Malmström Eang Vuthy Mu Sochua Federica Mogherini George Edgar Ken Loo Karin Ulmer

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Lors Liblib is a journalist based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Cambodia’s Main Opposition Party Disqualified from July’s National Election

15 May 2023  |  www.voacambodia.com  |  English  |  Political Suppression

Cambodia's National Election Committee disqualified the main opposition Candlelight Party from the upcoming July national election, citing a lack of paperwork. This decision has been criticized by independent election groups, opposition leaders, and the European Union as undermining democratic processes. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, currently holds all parliamentary seats. The Candlelight Party plans to appeal the decision, arguing that it participated in previous elections without the disputed document. The disqualification has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election and the suppression of political opposition in Cambodia.

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Kem Sokha Sam Rainsy Kimsour Phirith Sam Kuntheamy Korn Savang Hun Sen Sok Eysan Hun Manet

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Alastair McCready is editor for regional magazine Southeast Asia Globe, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is able to provide editing, photography and reporting, as well as contacts in country and across the region.

‘An awkward situation’: UN rights expert Rhona Smith reflects on Cambodia role

01 Dec 2020  |  southeastasiaglobe.com  |  English  |  UN Special Rapporteur

The article discusses the tenure of Rhona Smith, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, highlighting the challenges she faced due to the Cambodian government's crackdown on opposition, media, and activism. Smith's role has been complicated by the pandemic, which has restricted her ability to visit Cambodia. The article details various human rights issues in Cambodia, including mass trials of opposition members, controversial laws, and the government's sophisticated yet suppressive understanding of human rights. Smith's tenure has been marked by significant events, including the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party and the murder of Kem Ley. Despite criticisms from both the Cambodian government and human rights defenders, Smith emphasizes the importance of quiet diplomacy and legal standards in her work.

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Kem Ley Kem Sokha Rhona Smith Sam Rainsy Hun Sen Rong Chhun Uon Chhin Yeang Sothearin

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I am a journalist from Melbourne, Australia. I've been working in Cambodia since March 2013 as a reporter and freelance correspondent with a focus on politics, society and foreign affairs. My work has been published in the Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, the Age, The Diplomat, Southeast Asia Globe,...

Treason charge for Cambodian opposition leader accused of US plot

05 Sept 2017  |  BBC  |  English  |  Political Arrest

A Cambodian court has charged opposition leader Kem Sokha with treason, accusing him of colluding with the US to conspire against the government. His arrest is part of a broader crackdown on critics and the press ahead of next year's general election. The Cambodia National Rescue Party, led by Sokha, was seen as a significant challenger to Prime Minister Hun Sen's long-standing rule. The UN's human rights high commissioner expressed serious concern over the arrest, citing a lack of due process. Recent government actions have targeted rights groups and media companies, including the forced shutdown of The Cambodia Daily.

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Kem Sokha Hun Sen Pheng Heng Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

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Abby Seiff is an award-winning freelance journalist with a decade of experience reporting and editing in Asia. Her writing and photography have appeared in Newsweek, Time, The AP, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. She also regularly edits and writes reports for think-tanks, security firms, ...

Chinese State-Linked Hackers in Large Scale Operation to Monitor Cambodia's Upcoming Elections, Report Says

04 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  International Relations

Chinese state-linked hackers, identified as TEMP.Periscope by cybersecurity firm FireEye, are conducting a large-scale operation to monitor Cambodia's upcoming national elections. The hackers have targeted opposition figures, government departments, rights defenders, and media outlets, including the Cambodian National Election Commission and the Interior Ministry. The report underscores China's deep interest in Cambodia's political stability, given their close partnership. The Cambodian government has also increased its surveillance of online activity, raising concerns among rights groups and journalists about the security of sensitive information. The article also mentions previous cyber attacks linked to Vietnamese state actors.

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Kem Monovithya Kem Sokha Benjamin Read Naly Pilorge Ou Phannarith Nop Vy Ngeth Moses

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I am a journalist and photographer based in London with 20 years journalism and PR experience. I've been staff on UK national newspapers, news editor at Now Magazine, showbiz and features editor at ZOO Magazine, and Senior PR at Action on Hearing Loss charity in London. I've recently moved back to ...

Hun Sen’s Cambodia election: like a World Cup, with just one team

22 Jul 2018  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Corruption

Cambodia's election under Prime Minister Hun Sen is depicted as a farce, with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) maintaining power through corruption and suppression of opposition. The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has been dismantled, with its leaders imprisoned or exiled. Despite economic growth, the majority of the population remains impoverished. Human rights organizations and former CNRP members criticize the regime's corruption and autocratic rule. The article highlights the disillusionment of the Cambodian people and the hope for eventual democratic change.

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Kem Sokha Hun Sen Sam Rainsy Mounh Sarath Mo Sochua Hillary Clinton Angelina Jolie Loung Ung Ta Tith Pol Pot Ta Mok Ly Sok-Kheang

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Dr. Jianli (Doc) Yang, a world renown human rights activist and scholar, is a major architect and leader for China’s democracy. He was a Tiananmen student leader and a political prisoner of China (2002-2007). Dr. Yang helped found and lead several important organizations including Citizen Power ...

The Cambodian Regime Is a Key Element in China’s Regional Expansion Strategy

01 Oct 2023  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Authoritarianism

Cambodia, under the rule of Hun Sen and his son Hun Manet, has become increasingly authoritarian, with the Cambodian People's Party securing all parliamentary seats in the 2018 election amid allegations of fraud. The country's democratic decline has been influenced by its strengthening relationship with China, which has provided significant support and investment, enabling Hun Sen to suppress opposition without concern for sanctions from Western countries. China's influence extends to replicating its development model in Cambodia, with projects like the Dara Sakor seashore resort and the Ream Naval Base, which could provide strategic military advantages in the South China Sea. The United States and its allies have not adequately addressed human rights abuses in Cambodia, allowing autocratic leaders like Hun Sen to act with impunity.

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Kem Ley Kem Sokha Hun Sen Hun Manet Sam Rainsy Xi Jinping

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