| IN BRIEF
|
At Cambodia, freedom of the press is undergoing severe tests while Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recently expressed its outrage at the expulsion of a British journalist, Gerald Flynn. The latter had highlighted a deforestation scandal striking, and was ordered to leave the country under the pretext of being included on a mysterious “black list”. This case highlights the crucial issues related to the protection of the rights of journalists, especially in a country where the voice of the press seems increasingly stifled.
On January 5, 2025, the British journalist Gerald Flynn, known for his hard-hitting investigations into environmental issues, is refused entry to Cambodia after returning from vacation. Although he held a valid work visa, his investigations into acts of massive deforestation visibly attracted reprisals from the Cambodian authorities. This expulsion, which was denounced by the defense of press freedom, raises concerns about attacks on freedom of speech in this country.
The circumstances of the expulsion
While returning from a stay in Thailand, Gerald Flynn learned, upon his arrival at Siem Reap international airport, that he had been placed on a blacklist since November 25, 2024. Cambodian authorities immediately ban his entry, without providing clear explanations or options for appeal. Intrigued by this situation, Flynn points out that his expulsion appears to be a direct reaction to his journalistic work which aims to highlight attacks on the environment and the rights of local populations.
A controversial report
The situation of Flynn worsened a few days after his participation in a report broadcast on France 24 IDescribe cases of illegal deforestation in Cambodia. The Cambodian Ministry of the Environment called this report false information, triggering reactions leading to the arrest of several Cambodian activists who appeared there. The authorities then released the latter, but only on the condition that they cease all collaboration with foreign journalists. An obvious pressure on press freedom.
Reporters Without Borders’ response
The reaction to this expulsion was quick. In a joint statement issued on February 4, 2025, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and 19 other NGOs support Flynn and categorically condemn this decision by the Cambodian authorities. They see this ban as a serious threat to freedom of the press in Cambodia and a desperate effort to stifle any critical voice about the environmental and social situation in the country.
A hostile climate for journalists
Flynn’s case is unfortunately not isolated. Cambodia is dangerous territory for journalists, where repression and intimidation are commonplace. Recent reports indicate that journalists are imprisoned for daring to criticize the government, as in the case of Youn Chhiv, director of a local press agency sentenced to one year in prison after publishing an investigation into land expropriations. All this betrays a climate ofoppression which weighs on the media.
The urgent need for protection of journalists
The situation of journalists in Cambodia calls for increased vigilance and mobilization of the international community to protect those who dare to challenge the power in place. Currently, the country is ranked 151st out of 180 in terms of press freedom, according to RSF, which reflects the seriousness of the situation. It is essential that public opinion mobilizes to support journalists like Flynn, who are committed to exposing injustices.
Implications for the future
This type of repression not only harms democracy but also has disastrous implications for the environment. The voices that denounce ecological and social abuses are often the first to be muzzled in countries like Cambodia. The fight for press freedom in this context is also a fight for the protection of human rights and our environment. The hope remains that cases like Flynn’s can raise global awareness on these vital issues.
Frequently Asked Questions – Expulsion of British journalist in Cambodia
A: It is Gerald Flynn, an environmental journalist known for his investigations into critical topics related to deforestation.
A: He was deported after being placed on a “blacklist” due to his reporting revealing the destruction of protected forests.
A: It highlighted a deforestation scandal in Cambodia, calling the government’s actions false information.
A: Several of them have been arrested and released on the condition of ceasing their collaboration with foreign journalists.
A: RSF and other NGOs defending the freedom of the press denounce this decision as a repressive measure aimed at intimidating journalists.
A: Reporters Without Borders condemned the expulsion and calls on the Cambodian authorities not to let this decision unpunished.