Freedom ‘affront’: Attacks on journalists condemned

French-based Reporters Without Borders says attacks on journalists have cast doubt on Cambodia’s progress in press freedom.

“To attack a journalist is an illegal act and a direct affront to freedom of the press,” Lucie Morillon, the group’s head of research, said in the statement released on Wednesday.

“We call on the authorities to . . . punish those responsible for these actions and do all in their power to ensure the safety of journalists can be guaranteed.”

The condemnation follows the violent suppression of Labour Day demonstrations on May 1. At least three journalists were among those injured by Daun Penh district security guards, according to the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia.

The following day, the eve of World Press Freedom day, several journalists were targeted and one left with a broken cheekbone.

On Sunday, the Information Ministry condemned police and private security forces for “threatening, intimidating, seizing material and insulting” local and foreign journalists.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/freedom-%E2%80%98affront%E2%80%99-attacks-journalists-condemned