Freedom of the Press - Cambodia (2002)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 22 April 2002 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Cambodia (2002), 22 April 2002, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/473450435.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Not Free
Legal Environment: 26
Political Influences: 22
Economic Pressures: 20
Total Score: 68
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 56
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Khmer (90 percent)m Vietnamese (5 percent), Chinese (1 percent)
Capital: Phnom Penh
Despite the entire population's memory of the Pol Pot genocide, criticism of the state is generally regarded as lack of loyalty to the nation and its leaders, even treason. Journalists generally seek information only from officials, who are seen as the source of authority. Officials enforce this tradition by avoiding opposition journalists and withholding advertising support from their publications. Private newspapers criticize government policies, though authorities sometimes use a strict 1995 press law to suspend newspapers for a 30-day period. This prohibits publishing articles that affect national security and political stability. The press is subjected to criminal statutes. Government officials or close associates own almost all of the 6 Khmer-language television stations and 14 Khmer-language radio stations. Repeated requests by an opposition leader for a license to operate a radio station have been denied. Radio and television reach the widest audiences.
