VOA Khmer

Gov’t Mocks Human Rights Watch Over Appeal for Journalists’ Release

The Cambodian courts are due to announce a verdict for the two jailed journalists on Friday.

Amid Calls for Election Boycott, Election Body Prepares to Roll Out Polling Stations Nationwide

Prime Minister Hun Sen has previously said that not voting in the election was tantamount to treason.

Sale of Cambodia’s Last Independent Newspaper Concerns Longtime Readers

The Phnom Penh Post’s sale to a Malaysian PR firm linked to the ruling CPP sparks concerns over a loss of independence among its readership.

World Bank: More Skilled Worker Training Needed to Sustain Cambodia Growth

The World Bank said growth in Cambodia had slowed about 6.8 percent in 2017, slightly down from 7 percent in 2016.

Cambodia PM Hopes Trump Meeting Can Bring Peace to Korean Peninsula

American president Donald Trump will meet Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore.

Four Chinese Nationals for Alleged ‘Drilling’ at Angkor Wat Complex

The Apsara Authority said that the men were construction workers employed by a Chinese company and they did not inform the authorities before they started drilling at the site.

UN Calls for Immediate Release of Jailed Former Cambodia Opposition Leader

There are concerns for Kem Sokha’s health after he suffered a damaged shoulder, high blood pressure, and hyperglycemia.

US Rights Group Calls for End to Prosecutions of Opposition Officials, Activists

The former opposition members are due to have their cases heard Thursday and could face between seven and 20 years in prison if their convictions are not overturned.

Rights Groups, Former Opposition Concerned By Sale of Independent Newspaper to Investor Linked to PM

The Phnom Penh Post, the last independent English-language daily newspaper in Cambodia, had been sold to Malaysian public relations tsar Sivakumar S. Ganapathy.

As China’s Influence Grows in Cambodia, Analysts Urge Caution

Hun Sen defended the country relationship with China, saying other countries were “jealous” of Beijing’s rise.

Newspaper Staff Protest Firing of Editor as New Owners Cull Dissenting Voices

Kay Kimsong was fired on Monday after representatives of the new owner ordered senior staff to remove an article about the sale from its website, claiming factual inaccuracies.

Officials Tell Asean to Do More to Ensure Market Access for US Companies

Minor Opposition Parties Divided Ahead of Election

On April 30, the National Election Committee announced it was opening registration for parties who wished to contest the July 29 vote.

Farmers Encouraged to Use State Food Safety Screening Lab

A recent decree stated that the new control measures were intended to protect public health and promote better export-quality goods.

Cambodian Peacekeepers Prepare for New Deployment After Africa Attacks

The new deployment comes after two attacks on Cambodian peacekeepers in the past twelve months by guerrilla forces and militiamen in the host countries.

As Cambodia Marks Press Freedom Day, Journalists Fear Increasing Restrictions Following Crackdown

Cambodia is placed 142nd out of 180 countries in this year’s World Press Freedom Index.

Phnom Penh ‘Bans Protests’ Outside Parliament Ahead of Election

The May Day march on Tuesday was limited to a riverside space near the city’s landmark site of Wat Phnom and with a large security force presence.

Former Opposition Party Leader Pledges Return to Politics

Bun Chhay was arrested in August last year over a 2007 drugs case and another drugs bust in 2012 and charged with drug trafficking offenses.

UN Rights Envoy Claims General Election ‘Not Genuine’ Without Banned Opposition Party

Rhona Smith said the government must immediately release the detained opposition leaders and lift a ban on the opposition taking part in the July 29 general election.

Workers March in Phnom Penh for May Day as Sanctions Loom

The US and EU have threatened Cambodia with deepening economic sanctions following the ruling party’s decision to dissolve the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party.