LETTER | The Asia Democracy Network calls on the international community to be more unified and resolute in addressing the grave situation of independent media in Cambodia.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen’s (above) order to close VOD for “intentionally slandering” him and his son Hun Manet is part of a continuous assault on fundamental freedoms in Cambodia as the country prepares to hold a general election this year.

Mirroring events ahead of the 2018 general elections, independent media in Cambodia also received a barrage of attacks from the Cambodian government, resulting in the closure of The Cambodia Daily and the change of ownership by The Phnom Penh Post.

Since then, Cambodians have mostly been deprived of opportunities to access independent reportage.

We are one with all advocates of the free press and free expression in Cambodia as they call for the reversal of such an arbitrary decision so detrimental to Cambodian democracy.

The people of Cambodia deserve access to truthful, critical, and independent news.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.