Publication : Report

The year 2009 has been marked by an increase in restrictions on the freedom of expression, especially against politicians and representatives of civil society organizations critical of the Cambodian Government. Consequently, at least twenty-two complaints were filed by government officials against dissident politicians and civil organization representatives, with an additional twenty-five complaints against journalists. This year, the situation can be compared to 2005, although there has been a slight improvement in relation to sentencing in defamation cases. No one who has been accused of defamation charges has been jailed and the accused of other charges have been given more chances to escape overseas comparing to 2005. Notably, it has become a tendency to restrict this freedom right after the general elections and the formation of a new government. With new elections looming, the situation has been loosen. We expect, this time, that a similar tendency will be repeated.

Information Source : Human Rights Situation Report 2009

• ADHOC