Monday, January 27, 2014

Journalists face increasing risks while covering protests


A member of government security forces baton charged on
an AFP photographer, Taing Chhin Sothy. Photo/Facebook

Jan 28, 2014 – A Phnom Penh-based photographer for news wire AFP was beaten by the Cambodian government’s security forces on Monday morning while covering a forced dispersal of anti-government protests led by local radio station owner Mam Sonando.

The protesters rallied in front of the Ministry of Information to demand a TV license for Mam Sonando. Government security forces forcibly dismantled the rally, resulting in a number of injuries. And the AFP photographer was among those injured.

AFP photographer Taing Chhin Sothy, 40, told a local news Website that the security forces beat him even after he told them he was a journalist.

“I appeal to authorities to please tolerate journalists. Cracking down on or dispersing protests is the duty of the authorities but they should not harm journalists because international journalists do not take sides,” Taing Chhin Sothy was quoted as saying but DAP Online News.

During recent protests, journalists have apparently faced increasing risks while performing their job. Some have reportedly had their personal belongings like mobile phones and wallets pick-pocketed while others have been physically abused.    

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