CEO John F. Lansing issued the following statement on the closing of RFA’s Phnom Penh Bureau:
“In recent days, the intimidation campaign by Cambodia’s government against free speech has intensified. As a result, and out of concern for the security and safety of its journalists, Radio Free Asia (RFA) has made the difficult decision to suspend operations of its news bureau in Phnom Penh.”
“In this interconnected age of borderless news and information, the Broadcasting Board of Governors is committed to achieving our mission of informing, engaging, and connecting people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. There has never been a more important time to hold governments accountable for treating press freedom as a human right and a universal priority. The Cambodian government’s actions have only strengthened our resolve to continue to respond to threats and harassment with accurate, factual reporting, analysis, and other vital information.”
“We condemn this crackdown and again call on the Cambodian authorities to permit journalists to do their important work in safe, unfettered conditions; and to allow the programs of BBG networks back onto FM stations in the country.”
“We salute the dedication and determination of the journalists of RFA, and independent media outlets in Cambodia who provide much-needed news and information to audiences eager for the truth.”
(Source: BBG press release)