Publication : Report

The events that followed the arrests in late 2005 brought many positive developments within civil society. Cambodians worked in new ways with the international community, and traditional networks were expanded. Freedom of expression and assembly are still at risk in Cambodia. In 2005, the authorities began using a defamation law dating back to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) period to arrest and imprison high profile figures for expressing their views and for allowing others to express their views. Even more importantly, many more un-named and powerless activists in the provinces have been charged with defamation. Despite government commitments to conduct a review of the law, defamation still remains a criminal offense. Under the current draft of a proposed new law on public assembly, all spontaneous protests and demonstrations must be held in government-designated parks, have no more than 200 people, and last no longer than four hours.

Information Source : Human Rights and Freedom of Expression Events: Learning From Experience

• PACT