Details case of media violation in Phnom Penh

Location Phnom Penh
Date of Event Mar 18, 2021
Last Update Mar 18, 2021
# of journalist(s) who were threatened with criminal action 1
Summary

Pheng Vannak, a popular social media news publisher who disseminates news and information on his Facebook page and a website, had his media license revoked on 18 March 2021 after he reported on a video which showed senior monks in Siemreap at Reach Bo Pagoda severely beating 3 junior monks with a stick. The Ministry of Information revoked his license for allegedly "affecting Buddhism as the state religion'. The Ministry of Information later alleged that Pheng Vannak had breached his agreed contract with them by insulting the monks which seriously affected Buddhism. This disciplinary action comes after the Monk Council in Siem Reap called for action against Pheng Vannak saying he used unethical and insulting words. Pheng Vannak also issued a public apology over his reporting of the incident. On 19 March, the Ministry of Cult and Religion asked the Kandal court to initiate an investigation into Pheng Vannak for insulting Buddhist monks (under Article 516 of the Criminal Code), incitement (Article 496) and death threats (Article 233).

References VOA | VOA | VOD