"Shutdown of VOD Undermines Press Freedom, Embassies and Civil Society Groups Warn", 13 February 2023

After the government shuttered independent media Voice of Democracy (VOD) …, dozens of civil society groups decried the decision and numerous embassies warned the loss of the publication seriously damaged Cambodia’s dwindling press freedom in...

VOD staff and supporters gathered tearfully at the organization’s office in Phnom Penh, while district authorities and Information Ministry officials delivered a letter formally revoking the publication’s media license ...

“We will be silent, we will not continue our broadcasting,” said Ith Sotheoeuth, media director for the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM), VOD’s parent organization, …

More than 90 civil society organizations, …, signed a statement … stating they were “deeply disturbed” by the decision to shut down VOD. The statement also condemned social media misogyny directed towards a female VOD journalist involved in the report which drew the Prime Minister’s ire…

The European Union Delegation to Cambodia, along with the Australian, American, British, French, German and Swedish embassies issued statements Monday expressing concern about the closure of VOD.

“We are deeply troubled by the abrupt decision to revoke Voice of Democracy’s (VOD) media license,” the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh stated ... “We urge Cambodian authorities to revisit this decision.”

“This decision seriously undermines media freedom and pluralism, which are essential for any open and free society,” The European Union in Cambodia stated. “Access of information and freedom of speech are basic tenets of a democratic society ... These rights are enshrined in Cambodia’s Constitution and should be fully protected.”…