As the government works to peacefully and legally resolve the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, Ministry of Information official has reiterated the crucial role that journalists play in ensuring that accurate information is shared in a professional, ethical and accurate manner.
Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith shared how adopting such a stance ensures the delivery of reliable information to both domestic and international communities without compromising national security.
He stated that journalists must thoroughly understand fundamental principles and measures to ensure their personal safety and contribute to the safety of the communities they visit while reporting on border conflicts or other crisis situations.
His remarks came shortly after two local journalists were reportedly arrested in separate incidents on July 31, after returning from a reporting trip in Oddear Meanchey province, near the Thai border. Local rights group Licadho said the duo were charged by the Siem Reap provincial court with supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence.
Asnarith reminded journalists of the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities and accountability. He explained that they should be guided by national conscience, as well as the goal of upholding the value and integrity of the journalism profession.
“I collectively appeal to journalists and media organisations, both traditional and modern, to clearly understand the law and the boundaries of freedom, and to exercise their rights to gather, produce, and report news in accordance with existing legal frameworks,” he said.
“Journalists must act with conscience, prioritise and uphold the nation’s highest interests, and adhere strictly to ethical standards and professional principles. They must not disseminate information that endangers national security or affects political and social stability,” he added.
According to Asnarith, journalists have a duty to maintain honesty and integrity, remain unbiased, report news based only on verified and credible sources, and actively combat misinformation.
He emphasised that the rights and freedoms of journalists in Cambodia are fully and appropriately guaranteed in accordance with the Constitution and the Press Law.
