websites and a public database, Kamnotra Database, cases of journalists facing criminal charges for in accordance with a pre-election decision. Radio disinformation, defamation or incitement in the course Free Asia and Cambodia Daily were both blocked by of their work.85 In 2022, media groups recorded at the Cambodian government in an effort to tighten least 57 cases in the first ten months of the year, its hold on the press. The government’s grip testifying to a continuing deterioration in democratic on critical media websites clearly provide public rights in the country.86 Another report from 2022 information and the ongoing digital dictatorship.81 states that of the sixty-five journalists surveyed, all This unsettling, ever-expanding hold on unfettered reported interference with their work. More than 80% information is not new. It is rooted in the intention of respondents said they had experienced surveillance to undermine the right to access information. In and disproportionate or unnecessary restrictions, February 2023, for instance, the government had including on access to information.87 During the already shut down the independent media outlet third quarter of 2023, the period of the elections, Voice of Democracy. This monopoly on information three media outlets were blocked by government undermines the free press and impedes the free orders, and nine cases of harassment involving 14 passage of information. Ultimately, an informed journalists, including two women, were recorded.88 80 79 citizenry is necessary for a democratic society to function.82 It enables Cambodians to exercise their rights, hold their leaders accountable, and shape their nation’s future.83 This stringent control over the dissemination of information seeks to stifle any criticism of the government and restrict the Cambodian populace’s access to dissenting voices, raising concerns about the electoral process’s fairness and transparency. At the end of 2023, the government announced the creation of the National Coordinating Committee for Information and Public Opinion, tasked with strengthening public opinion and protecting Cambodia’s positive image. The committee, established by a sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, will have six members. Its missions include defending national sovereignty, promoting government achievements, and responding In May 2020, Sok Oudom, owner of the news website Rithysen and radio station 99.75, was arrested for reporting on a land dispute involving a military official. The licences for his radio station and online media outlet were subsequently revoked.89 In 2021, six independent media outlets had their licences revoked.90 In the first half of 2022, three digital media outlets also had their licences revoked by the MoI for allegedly violating journalistic professional ethics and standards. Representatives of two of these outlets said the revocations occurred after they had reported on corruption.91 On May 26, 2022, TCN TV Producer Thai Bunrith was arrested for broadcasting a live video on Facebook via his channel in which he claimed that Kandal provincial authorities took bribes to turn a blind eye to illegal quickly to false information.84 gambling operations and cock fighting, which the Revoking Media Licences and Perpetuating Abuse against Journalists He was charged with incitement to discrimination RGC also levels threats against media outlets and remains in prison.93 In February 2023, the licence of journalists to prevent them from exposing the situation Voice of Democracy (VOD)–the leading bastion of on the ground. According to a report by the Office of independent journalism in Cambodia–was revoked the United Nations High Commissioner for Human by the government through an arbitrary executive Rights, from January 2017 to August 2022, the UN order without legal backing. Kandal Provincial Police Commissioner denied. and defamation under Articles 494, 496 and 305 by the Kandal Provincial Court.92 At last update, he Human Rights Office in Cambodia documented 23 Cambodia 53