On 17 July 1996, Minister of Information Ieng Mouly announced that the government would not authorise the creation of any new radio or television stations. He cited already crowded airwaves as the reason; however, the decision follows repeated attempts to block opposition parties from setting up radio and television stations. Secretary of State Khieu Kanharith […]
On 17 July 1996, Minister of Information Ieng Mouly announced
that the government would not authorise the creation of any new
radio or television stations. He cited already crowded airwaves
as the reason; however, the decision follows repeated attempts to
block opposition parties from setting up radio and television
stations. Secretary of State Khieu Kanharith claimed that the ban
would only affect the capital, Phnom Penh, adding that, in
principle, it only concerns stations that belong to political
parties. Nevertheless, since the major pro-government media
outlets are based in Phnom Penh, the decision will effectively
muzzle the opposition in the capital, a troubling development
since municipal elections are to take place in 1997, while
national elections are set for 1998.
Meanwhile, on 18 July, another government directive issued by the
Minister of Information announced the suspension for an
indefinite period of time of the establishment of any new
newspaper in Cambodia.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Information will penalise only certain media outlets and cause an
unequal access to the media and the free flow of information
according to the internationally recognised rights of freedom of
information and press freedom
Appeals To
His Excellency Prince Norodom Ranariddh
First Prime Minister
Office of the Council of Ministers
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Fax: +855 23 26144
H.E. Chea Sim
President of the National Assembly
Fax: +855 23 27769
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
