In order to ensure the important work that journalists do in recording events as they unfold, and holding truth to power, the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC) wishes to express its solidarity with journalists across the world who face attacks and detention while covering public demonstrations and simply doing their jobs.
The anger and violence that can accompany street demonstrations have long been a known risk for the media, but there has recently been a worrying change that increasingly jeopardizes the safety of journalists, and is actively inflamed by rhetoric from some national leaders, “celebrity” voices and the ill intentioned.
The ongoing demonstrations in the United States against racism and police violence have resulted in more than 300 instances of press freedom violations against journalists. The OPCC wishes to stress that journalists must be allowed to work freely without fearing arrest or injury while covering news events, be it in the United States, Cambodia, Hong Kong or anywhere else.
The OPCC has long been vocal against harassment and violence against journalists in Cambodia. At present, at least six journalists face legal charges by Cambodian authorities for doing their jobs. We continue to call upon the Cambodian government, and all governments, to allow journalists to work without fear of imprisonment or violence.
