British Environmental Journalist Barred from Entering Cambodia: What It Means for Press Freedom and Environmental Advocacy

Admin

British Environmental Journalist Barred from Entering Cambodia: What It Means for Press Freedom and Environmental Advocacy

BANGKOK — A journalist focused on environmental issues in Cambodia has been banned from returning to the country where he has worked for the past five years.

Gerry Flynn, a British reporter for Mongabay, found out about the ban on January 5 after returning from vacation in Thailand. Cambodian immigration officials stopped him at the airport, claiming there was a problem with his visa.

Flynn had recently traveled to Thailand to visit Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus that has become popular with tourists. Before his trip, he faced some questions at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, but he was allowed to leave Cambodia. However, upon his return, things changed.

He explained, “They were very straightforward this time. They said my visa was obtained fraudulently but wouldn’t say what was wrong. I learned I’d been blacklisted as of November 25.” After the ban, Flynn had to return to Thailand.

Flynn holds a valid one-year Type E business visa and a work permit from the Cambodian government. Although his press accreditation expired on January 1, he was in the process of renewing it.

Mongabay believes this ban is retaliation against Flynn. Recently, he contributed to a documentary on deforestation in Cambodia, which aired on November 22. Following the documentary, the Cambodian government dismissed its findings as “fake news.” Other contributors to the film were detained shortly after its release but were later freed.

When reached for comment, the Cambodian government did not respond to inquiries. Meanwhile, Mongabay stated that authorities have not provided Flynn with details on the ban or how to appeal it.

In its statement, Mongabay noted that the Cambodian government claimed Flynn applied for a visa to work as an electrician. However, they maintain he has consistently held a valid press pass.

Flynn’s work has intensified scrutiny on environmental issues in Cambodia, a country already struggling with press freedom. This incident highlights the growing challenges faced by journalists in reporting on these critical matters. Recent incidents, including the shooting of Chhoeung Chheng while investigating deforestation and the lengthy sentences for members of the environmental group Mother Nature, illustrate the risks activists and reporters face.

Cambodia ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index, standing at 151 out of 180 countries. This ranking underscores the ongoing suppression of independent media and the serious consequences for those who dare to speak out on sensitive issues, especially in environmental reporting.

Despite this setback, Flynn remains determined. “This situation is frustrating, but it won’t stop me or others from covering important environmental issues.” He believes that efforts to silence reporters will not prevent the reality of environmental problems from coming to light.



Source link

East Asia, Europe, Press Freedom, Cambodia