The global group of hackers Anonymous on Monday posted a video online warning the Cambodian government it has “declared war” on the ruling CPP in response to Sunday’s clash with protesters that left one person dead, but stopped short of discussing its plans.
In the video, headlined “Operation Freedom” and posted on Anonymous’ video network website and on YouTube, an unidentified man dressed in a suit with a red tie and wearing a Guy Fawkes mask informs the Cambodian government it has failed its people.
“Government of the once great Kingdom of Cambodia…. You have made an enemy of Anonymous, you have angered us considerably and we now pose a significant threat to you. You have once again disregarded the requests of the people and continue to operate for your own unfair, selfish and pathetic gain,” the man in the video says.
“We are not a small group of people residing in Cambodia for you to ignore—we are an organized, globally active, collective of like-minded individuals and our message to you is clear: We declare war on the system you have imposed on us. Your worst enemy is now your own people,” he says, as Khmer subtitles run across the screen.
As the man speaks, sirens blare and a tweet announcing the death of Mao Chan, 29, during clashes between opposition protesters and police Sunday night on Phnom Penh’s Monivong Bridge is displayed in the background.
Images of Cambodia and previous election-related protests are also displayed.
Though the group does not explain its plans in the video, it is likely to help the local faction, Anonymous Cambodia, hack government websites.
When asked about Anonymous Cambodia’s plans now that it appears to have the support of global hackers, one local hacker who goes by the name “Black Cyber” said, “Hackers [are] gonna hack, that’s what hackers do.”
In the past week, Anonymous Cambodia has broken into at least five state-owned websites, including state-run television station TVK, the National Archives and the Council of Ministers’ Press and Quick Reaction Unit.
Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said Monday that Anonymous should not use the death of Mao Chan to fuel its hacking and that the group’s actions are tantamount to terrorism.
“It’s unrelated,” he said. “To attack government websites is another issue entirely. It’s a terrorist act.”
Cambodia currently does not have any cybercrime laws to protect against hacking.
