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Cambodian newpaper to close as opposition leader arrested for treason
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This photo taken on Aug. 31, 2017 shows reporters of the English-language newspaper Cambodia Daily working inside their newsroom in Phnom Penh. One of Cambodia's last remaining independent newspapers announced on September 3 it was closing after 24 years, the latest in a series of blows to critics of strongman premier Hun Sen. (Agence France -Presse/Tang Chhin Sothy)
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ne of Cambodia's few remaining independent newspapers announced on Sunday it would close hours after the country's opposition leader was arrested for treason, the latest in a string of blows to critics of strongman premier Hun Sen.
The Cambodia Daily, which is often critical of the government, said Monday's edition would be its last after it was slapped with a multi-million dollar tax bill that its publishers said was politically motivated.
The announcement came after Kem Sokha, head of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested shortly after midnight on treason charges with Prime Minister Hun Sen accusing him of acting in cahoots with Washington, an escalation of his often angry rhetoric against the US.
The Southeast Asian country has been run for more than three decades by 65-year-old Hun Sen, a wily political operator who has long used the courts and strongarm tactics to silence critics.
He faces a key test at national polls next year with the main opposition party gaining in popularity amid mounting anger over corruption and inequality.
A series of prosecutions have been brought against political opponents and rights workers in the last year, as well as tax and other investigations of organisations deemed critical of his administration.
In a statement announcing its closure, the Cambodia Daily said it had been "destroyed" by the government.
"It's a dark day for press freedom in Cambodia," editor Jodie DeJonge, told AFP.
The paper was set up 24 years ago by veteran American journalist Bernard Krisher who recently sold it to his daughter Deborah Krisher-Steele. It publishes in English but carries some articles in Khmer and is often critical of the government.
Last month the tax department said the paper owned $6.3 million in back taxes, with Hun Sen branding the owners "thieves".
The paper said the figure was "arbitrary" and not based on an audit of its books, with management accusing the government of targeting it for its critical reporting.
Much of Cambodia's media is either owned by people close to Hun Sen or avoids criticising the government.
