http://www.voacambodia.com/content/camb ... 08635.html

On Sunday, the Ministry of Information released a statement in which it effectively admitted that matters had gone too far.

The ministry statement condemned “all forms of threatening, intimidation, seizing of material and insulting of journalists," and said it considers these actions as "serious violations of Cambodia’s press freedom.”

I think it's the first time I've heard of any CPP government body here speaking out against another one... usually they're just making excuses for one another.

We can only hope it continues.

OrangeDragon wrote:

On Sunday, the Ministry of Information released a statement in which it effectively admitted that matters had gone too far.

The ministry statement condemned “all forms of threatening, intimidation, seizing of material and insulting of journalists," and said it considers these actions as "serious violations of Cambodia’s press freedom.”

I think it's the first time I've heard of any CPP government body here speaking out against another one... usually they're just making excuses for one another.

The Ministry of Info, Khieu Kanharith in particular, has often been a dissenting voice within the govt regarding matters of press freedom and internet. For example, a couple of years ago when the government first contemplated banning certain websites, Kanharith spoke repeatedly in the press against it, and seemingly came to odds with MPTC and MoWA which were pushing for the ban. As the govt attempt to bring some control over internet access proceeded, it was led by the MPTC to the exclusion of the Min of Info, which continued to tout internet freedom. In another more recent example, when the Min of Info banned VOA during the 2013 election campaign, Kanharith very conspicuously bowed out, loudly denied any involvement and went on holiday. The order was signed by a lower functionary. When the order was rescinded the next day, Kanharith was right back at the helm. As you note, public criticism of govt from within the govt is very rare, but its not surprising that when it came it came out of the Ministry of Information.

I gotta think someone being demoted for this or wind up missing.