The arrests are the latest in a widening crackdown on media and the opposition in Cambodia ahead of elections next year. The move further strains ties between the United States and Cambodia.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy
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Two Cambodian journalists who worked for a US-funded radio station were charged with espionage on Saturday, the latest move in a widening crackdown on critics of authoritarian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Uon Chhin and Yeang Socheameta, former journalists of the Washington-based Radio Free Asia, were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly providing information to a foreign power. The offense carries up to 15-years in prison.
Radio Free Asia's Phnom Penh bureau closed its office in September, citing "intimidation" and threats that it was violating tax and registration regulations.
The Cambodia Daily newspaper reported the two journalists were accused of setting up broadcasting equipment in the capital and sending news reports to Radio Free Asia's Washington bureau.
Assault on media, opposition
The espionage charges come as the Hun Sen government has closed down 19 radio stations in recent months.
In September, the English-language Cambodia Daily was closed down due to alleged tax violations after Hun Sen attacked the publication for being "servants of foreigners."
The US Senate earlier this week passed a resolution committing the United States to promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia
"Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled the country with impunity for over three decades and throughout his rule, Hun Sen has resorted to any and all means to suppress the legitimate political opposition, harass civil society, intimidate the media, and deny the democratic aspirations of the Cambodian people," said Senator John McCain, a co-sponsor of the resolution.
Washington's influence in Cambodia has waned in recent years, with critics saying Chinese aid and investment have given Hun Sen a free hand to clamp down on freedoms.
Press freedom ranking 2017: From Norway to North Korea
The "Reporter Without Borders" report reveals in which countries journalists can work freely, and where censorship and oppression are rampant. On World Press Day, we show who's leading and who's picking up the rear.
Image: DW/A. Foncillas
The leader: Norway
Nowhere in the world can journalists work as freely as in Norway, the "Reporters Without Borders" report says. It ranks number one among 180 countries. That has to do with the diversity of the media: Norwegians have some 200 newspapers to choose from. Government agencies' duty to disclose data and state subsidizing of media institutions also contribute to Norway's high marks in press freedom.
Picking up the rear: North Korea
North Korea is at the bottom of the list of 180 countries. Journalists must adhere to a strict "information policy," which exults the superiority of former leader Kim Jong-il's legacy and of his son, Kim Jong-un. Televisions and radios can only pick up state broadcasters, meaning that the media is completely isolated. Those who criticize the system must reckon with draconian measures.
Image: DW/A. Foncillas
Mid-field: The United States
The US ranks 43rd - two spots down from the previous year. Widespread NSA surveillance during former President Barack Obama's administration is one reason for the drop. Improvement, however, remains at bay: Various law suits and public broadsides on the part of his successor, Donald Trump, against journalists and the freewheeling handling of "alternative facts" are alarming press representatives.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/P. Steffen
Upward climber: Italy
Italy has moved up 25 notches - to spot 52 - as compared to 2016. As the grip of Silvio Berlusconi's media empire on politics weakens, journalists can now work more freely. Still, organized crime continues to have a marked impact. Six journalists remain under police protection due to mafia death threats.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Di Meo
Relegated spot: Nicaragua
The 2016 re-election and ensuing fourth term of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega mean one thing for government critics: harassment and repression. Ortega and his family control the judiciary and the television market. Nicaragua made the biggest drop in the press freedom ranking for last year, moving down 17 notches to spot 92.
Press freedom is highly regarded in Germany, with the country keeping its spot at 16 - the same as the previous year. But there is still cause for concern: Especially during right-wing demonstrations, violent attacks and threats toward journalists have increased. According to a study by conflict researcher Andreas Zick, more and more journalists exercise self-censorship as they work.
