Cambodia’s Voice of Democracy news outlet shut down after riling PM Hun Sen

One of Cambodia's last remaining independent news organizations, Voice of Democracy (VOD), was shut down by Prime Minister Hun Sen just months before national elections. The move was condemned by rights groups as a blow to independent media in the country, which ranks 142 out of 180 regions in the Press Freedom Index. A local outlet run by the Cambodia Center for Independent Media VOD published radio and online reports on labor and rights issues, environmental crime and political corruption.

Last week, she announced that Hun Manet, the prime minister's son, had reportedly signed an agreement to donate $100,000 to aid Turkey, which was rocked by a catastrophic earthquake on February 6. According to sources, the report alluded to an apparent abuse of authority. Hun Manet, who serves as Lieutenant General and High Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army. Hun Sen denied the report and issued a statement on Facebook accusing the publisher of attacking his son, who is expected to succeed him as prime minister, and damaging the "dignity and reputation" of the Cambodian government.

He also refused to accept an official apology from VOD, adding that editorial staff "should look elsewhere for work". Government officials on Monday revoked the VOD's operating license and blocked its English and Khmer websites. All broadcasts stopped at 10 am (local time) on the same day. VOD has often been critical of the government and its suppression of human rights. Its closure comes as Hun Sen, who has served as Cambodia's prime minister since 1985, is eyeing another term in office after elections in July this year.

The VOD closure comes amid a wider crackdown on the free press in Cambodia. During Hun Sen's tenure, several independent newspapers and websites were shut down, and dozens of opposition figures were jailed or forced into exile. A September 2022 report based on UN findings said independent media in Cambodia continued to be under attack, with journalists being harassed and retaliated against. "Radio stations and newspapers were silenced, newsrooms purged and journalists prosecuted," the report said.