Despite initial hopes for reforms after Hun Manet took office, Cambodia continues to witness a crackdown on dissent, silencing activists and journalists, as civil liberties further deteriorate under his leadership.
Cambodia Under New Leadership: A Decline in Civil Liberties
Cambodia Under New Leadership: A Decline in Civil Liberties
Hun Manet's tenure as Prime Minister since August 2023 reflects a continuation of repression seen in his father's regime, raising concerns for human rights and freedoms.
Hun Manet’s ascension as the Prime Minister of Cambodia in August 2023 was met with cautious optimism among Cambodians who had endured nearly four decades under his father, Hun Sen. With a background enriched by education in the United States and the United Kingdom, many believed that Hun Manet could usher in a new era of civil liberties and democratic reforms. Unfortunately, the initial hopes for change have rapidly faded, revealing an unsettling continuity in governance.
Since assuming power, Hun Manet has intensified the suppression of dissenting voices throughout the nation. Environmental activists have faced arrest on dubious charges, and the media has not been spared. The detention of Mech Dara, a journalist renowned for exposing online fraud, serves as a stark example of the growing threat to press freedom. He was incarcerated for nearly 30 days, a clear signal to others that criticism of the government is unacceptable.
The grim reality of reduced freedoms has been echoed by international observers. British Deputy Ambassador Marc Thayre noted a diminishing space for free expression, a trend that has persisted since 2014 and seems to be deteriorating further. Meanwhile, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia, Vitit Muntarbhorn, expressed disappointment at the lack of progressive measures in the new government, highlighting a stark absence of any liberalization attempts.
The Cambodian authorities have also been active beyond their borders, targeting expatriates and critics overseas, leading to forced deportations from neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia. This coordinated effort intensifies the climate of fear for those who dare to challenge the ruling party’s authority.
In this context, the aspirations for reform that greeted Hun Manet’s arrival have all but vanished, leaving many Cambodians disillusioned with their leadership. The government's enduring tightening of control raises significant questions about the future of civil liberties in the nation under this new administration.
