BY GEORGE WRIGHT AND KHUON NARIM | MAY 21, 2016

With at least one prominent ac­tivist announcing that he would re­treat from the streets to the perceived safety of the internet to support this coming week’s “Black Mon­day” campaign, a senior government official warned on Friday that even in cyberspace Cambo­dians must ask for permission to demonstrate.

The usually defiant and uncompromising activist monk But Bun­tenh, who has helped organize the Black Monday events—in which protesters wear black in support of a recently jailed group of current and former rights workers—said the government’s crackdown on the protests had forced him to move his activism online.


“The government is very fearful of this campaign, so we do not need to go out, but we have to car­ry on our campaign online on so­cial media,” But Buntenh said.

“We understood that by doing this, everyone is involved with it. Even Prime Minister HE is seriously engaging with his Face­book, so he will know we are not stopping. We try to go forward even if we do not appear in person,” he said.

But Interior Ministry spokes­man Khieu Sopheak said that even moving their protest online would not spare individuals such as But Buntenh from the need to gain official permission for their activities.

“I think that he can come and talk with the municipality authorities [to see] whether they allow it —even online,” Gen. Sopheak said.

“Even though we don’t have the online law, of course whatever on­line propaganda that can harm or instigate people to rise up…that is not good for the security and the peace,” he said.

The Black Monday protesters are demanding the release of four jailed human rights workers and an election official, who were charged with bribery along with a U.N. em­ployee over their alleged role in a sex scandal involving deputy opposition leader Kem Sokha. Hu­­man rights groups have blasted the case as an attempt by the ruling CPP to silence its critics.

In the two weeks since the Black Monday protests began, groups in Mondolkiri and Preah Vihear prov­inces who have attempted to support the campaign by posting photographs of themselves online wear­ing black clothing or holding up messages have been called in for questioning and reprimanded by provincial officials.

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table42 wrote:The hobnailed boots of fear are on the march.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote:I've noticed a growing trend in the last two years (especially the past 12 months) as much to my dismay, the government is making itself look increasingly foolish and our of touch with reality. It'll only hurt them in the long run, but in doubt they even see that.

Black Monday Posts May Draw Police Action
Khmer Times/Taing Vida
Sunday, 22 May 2016

Those wishing to post about the Black Monday campaign online will now need authorization from the government to do so, according to soon-to-be-retired Interior Ministry spokesman General Khieu Sopheak.

Meanwhile, the defense attorney for four Adhoc officials submitted a bail request for his clients after a previous request was denied.

Speaking to Voice of Democracy (VoD) radio yesterday, Gen. Sopheak said all posts on social media should abide by Cambodian law and should not spark social unrest, incite revolution or action aimed at overthrowing the government. Despite a lack of legal precedent, Gen Sopheak said if posts broke the law, police would take action against their authors.

“In the US, they did the same thing,” Gen. Sopheak claimed. “Those who illegally protest on Facebook were handcuffed. Police are trying to maintain peace and political stability.

“There should not be black shirt or white shirt groups. We can see the example, those who claimed revolution online were jailed already.” ...

Anchor Moy wrote:I am not posting. And I am wearing a blue shirt today in case inquiring minds want to know.

Black Monday Posts May Draw Police Action
Khmer Times/Taing Vida
Sunday, 22 May 2016

Those wishing to post about the Black Monday campaign online will now need authorization from the government to do so, according to soon-to-be-retired Interior Ministry spokesman General Khieu Sopheak.

Meanwhile, the defense attorney for four Adhoc officials submitted a bail request for his clients after a previous request was denied.

Speaking to Voice of Democracy (VoD) radio yesterday, Gen. Sopheak said all posts on social media should abide by Cambodian law and should not spark social unrest, incite revolution or action aimed at overthrowing the government. Despite a lack of legal precedent, Gen Sopheak said if posts broke the law, police would take action against their authors.

“In the US, they did the same thing,” Gen. Sopheak claimed. “Those who illegally protest on Facebook were handcuffed. Police are trying to maintain peace and political stability.

“There should not be black shirt or white shirt groups. We can see the example, those who claimed revolution online were jailed already.” ...

http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/25241/ ... ce-action/

juansweetpotato wrote:

Anchor Moy wrote:I am not posting. And I am wearing a blue shirt today in case inquiring minds want to know.

Black Monday Posts May Draw Police Action
Khmer Times/Taing Vida
Sunday, 22 May 2016

Those wishing to post about the Black Monday campaign online will now need authorization from the government to do so, according to soon-to-be-retired Interior Ministry spokesman General Khieu Sopheak.

Meanwhile, the defense attorney for four Adhoc officials submitted a bail request for his clients after a previous request was denied.

Speaking to Voice of Democracy (VoD) radio yesterday, Gen. Sopheak said all posts on social media should abide by Cambodian law and should not spark social unrest, incite revolution or action aimed at overthrowing the government. Despite a lack of legal precedent, Gen Sopheak said if posts broke the law, police would take action against their authors.

“In the US, they did the same thing,” Gen. Sopheak claimed. “Those who illegally protest on Facebook were handcuffed. Police are trying to maintain peace and political stability.

“There should not be black shirt or white shirt groups. We can see the example, those who claimed revolution online were jailed already.” ...

http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/25241/ ... ce-action/

They should just go all out like some other governments do and call the CNRP and other opposition parties terrorists