An executive order from former President Trump has led to a significant decline in independent media in Cambodia, reinforcing the authoritarian grip of Prime Minister Hun Sen. With American support dwindling, Chinese influence is rising, resulting in the persecution of independent journalists and the promotion of state propaganda. Journalists continue to face serious threats but remain committed to advocating for free expression.

Cambodia is facing a severe decline in independent media and freedom of expression, exacerbated by an executive order from former President Trump aimed at American-funded news platforms. This directive significantly diminishes support for entities like Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, resulting in the cancellation of thirty projects previously backed by the United States Agency for International Development, which promoted civil society and independent media.

Once a beacon for democracy in the post-Khmer Rouge era, Cambodia has transformed into a strongman regime led by Prime Minister Hun Sen. Following the erosion of civil liberties, nearly all independent news outlets in the country have ceased operations. Nevertheless, some, such as Radio Free Asia, continue to function from abroad amidst this turmoil.

Hun Sen has welcomed Trump’s order, claiming it contributes to reducing misinformation globally. Meanwhile, his son, Hun Manet, who nominally succeeded him in power, has continued his father’s oppressive policies against dissent and media freedom. Many opposition figures face imprisonment or exile, while the judiciary has dismantled political opposition.

Bay Fang, the president of Radio Free Asia, emphasized that without RFA, the ruling party would gain complete control of the narrative. Journalists like Uon Chhin, who once faced imprisonment and now works at CamboJA, a struggling news collective, express dismay at the U.S. withdrawal of support. They question why such actions are taken by a nation once viewed as an ally.

While some Cambodian news outlets thrive by avoiding criticism of the ruling party, the financial support from Western nations is waning. China increasingly fills this void by providing funding that ignores human rights issues. Journalists are now often compelled to shift their focus away from political topics to ensure their safety.

The media landscape in Cambodia has shifted dramatically with many independent journalists absorbed into government positions that propagate pro-Hun narratives. The information minister, previously a journalist, now defends the regime, highlighting its efforts to monitor social media and engage with citizens directly.

The Cambodia-China Journalist Association, led by those who prioritize state narratives over independent reporting, serves to strengthen ties between the two countries. As U.S. funding vanishes, journalists such as Ith Sothoeuth are left uncertain about their future in an environment increasingly hostile to free expression, yet they remain committed to advocating for press freedom despite the risks involved.

Beech, a seasoned journalist residing in Bangkok, has chronicled these developments affecting Cambodia’s press landscape with depth over her extensive career in Asia.

The recent executive order by former President Trump has profoundly impacted Cambodia’s media landscape, leading to a significant decline in independent journalism and freedom of expression. The authoritarian regime of Prime Minister Hun Sen has filled the void left by diminished U.S. support with Chinese backing, further solidifying its control. Journalists are metaphorically swimming against the current, fighting not only for their rights but for the truth in an increasingly repressive environment, as their situation becomes more precarious. Amidst the turmoil, voices for democracy and transparency continue to assert their existence, signaling hope for a future where freedom can thrive once again in Cambodia.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com

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