The Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC) on Wednesday slammed what it labeled the “intimidation” of a Cambodia Daily reporter after Information Minister Khieu Kanharith posted a photocopy of the Canadian national’s passport on Facebook and warned journalists to “learn the laws on the election.”
Mr. Kanharith posted the image online on Tuesday the day after an official in Ratanakkiri province filed a complaint against reporters Zsombor Peter and Aun Pheap for asking residents in O’yadaw district questions about the upcoming election.
“The OPCC condemns the lack of due process that led to a reporter’s identity to be shared in a potentially dangerous and defamatory way,” a statement said. “We urge members of the Royal Government, police and any associates to remove this information from the internet.”
Romam Yuot, the Sam Rainsy Party commune chief of Pate commune, took issue with reporters asking residents whom they voted for in the 2012 commune election and why the opposition had proved popular there. Mr. Kanharith did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
The image was still online at 9 p.m. last night.
