Why in news?
Cambodia is gaining attention for its actions of political repression and risking democracy.
What are the recent developments?
- Prime Minister Hun Sen is in power in Cambodia for the last three decades.
- As Cambodia runs up for elections, Hun Sen is aware of the anti-incumbent sentiments among all sections of the population.
- Thus Cambodia is witnessing a series of dictatorial actions by the Prime Minister so as to suppress the opposition factions.
- These include -
- The recent arrest of his main rival, the leader of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) for charges of treason.
- Cambodia Daily, one of the most respected publications in Southeast Asia, was forced to close on allegations of not paying taxes.
- closing of 15 independent radio stations broadcasting programs from Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
- recent promulgation of a law that enables the banning of political parties with connections to criminal convicts.
- These actions are more like criminalisation of the opposition and the media.
- Opposition politicians, rights groups and independent media have thus come under growing pressure.
- This will make it impossible for bringing out true information out in the public during the upcoming election.
Why is this a cause of concern?
- This slide into political regression is particularly troubling, as the country is still recovering from the memory of the genocide in the 1970s.
- Notably Cambodia has cancelled its annual joint military exercises with the U.S, and it is increasing its engagement with China.
- The developments bring out the realities of deteriorating democracy in Cambodia and the changing dynamics of big power diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
- It is for the international community to keep a sustained focus on the developments in Cambodia.
Source: The Hindu
