By Alison Harley
BEIJING (TrustLaw) - The Cambodian government and the Cambodian Bar
Association have told lawyers they may not speak to the media without
authorisation, a move critics say is an attempt to silence opposition
ahead of this year’s parliamentary election.
Many lawyers have criticised the government, including over its
control of the courts, which have been used to imprison or intimidate
political opponents and human rights activists.
“The new censorship regime attempts to gag some of the most effective
and professional government critics,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at
Human Rights Watch.
The Information Ministry issued instructions on Jan. 31 to radio and
television stations not to invite lawyers to appear on programmes
without the approval of the Cambodian Bar Association. At the same
time, the Bar Association asked all lawyers to seek authorisation before
speaking with radio or television stations. Lawyers who do not comply
could be disbarred.
Rights groups say print media have not been named as print outlets reach a much smaller segment of the population.
“The Cambodian Bar Association is supposed to be an independent
body,” said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodia Centre for Human Rights.
“But they answer directly to the Council of Ministers.”
“It is a new low,” Ou said, adding that he expected the government to
take further steps to tighten controls in the run-up to the election
set for July 28.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has held power since 1985. Previous
pre-election periods have been marred by reports of violent crackdowns
on any dissent. Sam Rainsy, leader of the opposition party, lives in
self-imposed exile due to charges he faces in Cambodia which he says are
politically motivated.
The Ministry of Information and the Cambodia Bar Association have
said the restriction on lawyers is to ensure high-quality dissemination
of information, avoid misinterpretations and maintain high professional
standards.
Neither responded to requests for further comment.
1 comment:
Don't like this bastard's face (dumb PM Hun Sen's face). He is very ugly and stupid to lead Cambodia into the disaster.
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