The Cambodian government has intensified its crackdown on what they call fake news just weeks before the country’s prime minister Hun Sen faces another election. The government mainly hunts on websites and social media networks for fake news and the violators of the rules and regulations are fined the US $ 1,000 and jailed for two years. The new rules insist that the websites also require a registration with Cambodia’s information ministry and this directive is already into implementation.

The Cambodian government justifies this action as a security measure and caters to prevent a threat to national defense and security. The government has appointed specialized teams to monitor social media posts. These directives have invited large criticism from across the globe and the international community feels this as a threat to the freedom of the press. But Cambodian Prime Minister retaliates that his country is only joining hands with the global battle against fake news. According to Hun Sen Cambodia is a democracy where he wants the people to read only informative and real news.

Already Cambodian civil society organizations have raised their mass protest as Hun Sen’s intensified surveillance would end up in the power to silence the individuals from expressing their views. The recent sale of Cambodia’s English daily Phnom Penh Post and the closure of Cambodia Daily added major blow to the existing tensions over the freedom of the press. Phnom Penh Post was sold to a Malaysian investor who is considered as a close associate of the Prime Minister. The Cambodia Daily was also closed due to the pressure from the government as they were levied with a disputed $6.3 Million tax bill.

Hun Sen’s dictatorial rule and his powers to silence his opposition and his ability to win another round of elections is a clear indication that Cambodian press will have dark days ahead.