Cambodian authorities doubled down on Oct. 2 following the arrest of journalist Mech Dara, effectively warning Western nations and civil society groups to butt out amid a barrage of stinging criticism and demands for his immediate release.
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“All Cambodians should be able to exercise their right to freedom of expression without the fear of arrest and prosecution,” it said in a statement which was echoed in a similar communiqué issued by human rights group Licadho and undersigned by 45 local and international NGOs.
Australia added its voice to a chorus led by the United States saying it was “deeply concerned” by the arrest on Oct. 1, noting free and independent media are essential to governance accountability and as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
In full: https://www.ucanews.com/news/cambodia-defiant-as-anger-mounts-over-journalists-arrest/106594
