Spy claim undermines press freedom: RFA

A spokesman for Radio Free Asia based in Washington on Saturday said that claims made by Prime Minister Hun Sen that a former RFA reporter was a spy for the government were “ridiculous” and aimed at further undermining press freedom in the country. Last month, Mr Hun Sen said RFA journalist Chun Chanboth, deputy-director of RFA’s US-based Khmer service, was his spy.

The premier explained that Mr Chanboth had asked for protection from Lieutenant General Hun Manet, deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and Brigade 70 commander Mao Sophann, because he feared that US agents would kill him.

The popular RFA commentator, who is also known as Huot Vuthy, allegedly failed to disclose his profession when he signed into Prey Sar prison to visit detainees with a delegation of opposition CNRP officials in April 2017. He fled the country shortly after to escape a court appearance.

Mr Hun Sen said Mr Chanboth has met with Lt Gen Manet and asked him to protect him from being killed by US agents.

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