Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)

In the April round-up: horrific attacks against secularists in Bangladesh, journalists arrested while protesting criminal defamation in the Maldives, crackdown on opposing voices in Cambodia, plus advocacy, awards and much more.

Prominent Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak was targeted for comments he made in a radio interview about the case of Khom Chanaraty, alleged mistress of CNRP Vice President Kem Sokha.

A breakdown of the events that are changing the free expression landscape in Asia and the Pacific.

A recent surge in the number of people being arrested for expressing themselves online, along with related threats by senior government officials, threatens freedom of expression in Cambodia.

Civil society groups mark the anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attack by calling on governments worldwide to fulfill their obligation to protect freedom of expression.

The Phnom Penh municipal court issued an arrest warrant for Cambodian National Rescue Party (“CNRP”) President Sam Rainsy, in what was clearly a politically motivated move. This is the latest in a series of actions taken against the political opposition, which violate both the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and international human rights standards.

The proposed LANGO has been passed by the Cambodian National Assembly with minor amendments and approved by the Senate without any further discussion on the important concerns that civil society groups have raised.

Opposition activists were sentenced to jail time ranging from 7 to 20 years in connection with July 2014 protests. The convictions are based on trumped-up charges and characterised by a total disrespect for fair trial rights, say civil society groups.