Cambodian Govt's ban on lawyer, media relationship is 'unconstitutional'

Updated 13 February 2013, 

Radio Australia

 

The Cambodian Government has told the country's lawyers they must seek permission from the Bar Council before speaking to the media, in a move critics say impinges on basic freedom of expression.

Cambodian Govt's ban on lawyer, media relationship is 'unconstitutional' (Credit: ABC) 

The announcement was made by Information Minister Khieu Kannarith late last week and a letter sent to lawyers said the measure was intended to prevent "negative consequences upon the people".
But human rights groups say the ban will have the effect of increasing the Government's control over the media and the legal profession.
Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speaker: Ou Virak, President of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights
Listen to the audio on Radio Australia here.