Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

Women Journalists Seek Police Understanding, Cooperation; Media Groups Stress Value of Access to Information Law

Representatives of media organizations and police officers impart information on challenges and cooperation during a panel discussion on October 7, 2024. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)
Representatives of media organizations and police officers impart information on challenges and cooperation during a panel discussion on October 7, 2024. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)

The Women’s Media Centre of Cambodia (WMC) held a dialogue on October 7 between police officers and women journalists to address challenges and strengthen cooperation between both parties. Media associations believe that these efforts will improve with the passing of the draft law on Access to Information, which will specify the places and information accessible to journalists.

WMC executive director Sawada Chan Krisna said the dialogue enhanced cooperation, mutual understanding and closer communication between police officers and women journalists. A total of 29 women journalists and 59 police personnel from Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and Phnom Penh participated in the event.

Phnom Penh Municipal police chief Choun Narin acknowledged that the gaps, such as misunderstanding and mistrust, have hindered effective cooperation between the parties, leading to tension.

He hoped that the dialogue would identify challenges and solutions to improve cooperation and bridge the gaps, adding that the problems can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.

“I hope this dialogue will create an environment where women journalists can perform without fear or intimidation,” he said at the start of the event.

There was also a panel discussion on the challenges of working together faced by the police and journalists. 

Nop Vy, executive director of Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA), said most confrontations between journalists and police occur during protests as both parties are performing their respective roles—police ensuring order and journalists gathering information.

He believed that the passing of the draft law would reduce confrontations and conflicts between the police and journalists because it will clearly identify the places and information which are accessible to journalists and citizens. Each party would have to adhere to the law, thus reducing the likelihood of conflicts.

“If there is a law on access to information, journalists will comply […] so, when the police understand the role of journalists, and journalists understand the procedures of relevant laws, I believe the gaps which lead to confrontations between journalists and police will be reduced,” he said during the panel discussion.

Last month, civil society groups again urged the government to expedite the long-delayed draft Law on Access to Information. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now Senate president, had previously pledged that the draft law would be passed “in the next two years” following the national elections last July, or by 2025 at the latest.

At the dialogue, Nop Vy also emphasized the challenges journalists face regarding legal actions, noting that some laws were too broad and open to interpretation, which could lead to journalists being subject to criminal charges instead of the press law. He urged the government not to treat professional mistakes as criminal offenses.

A female journalist talks about her challenges and raises questions during a panel discussion on October 7, 2024. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)

Siem Reap provincial deputy police chief Duong Thavry said some journalists misunderstood police actions, thinking they were banned from accessing information. However, she explained, police restrict journalists due to procedures or to ensure their safety.

“In some cases, police ensure safety at accident scenes for all parties, including journalists. If we allow journalists in, we’re concerned that they might be involved in an accident,” she said in the panel discussion. “Police sometimes restrict women journalists because they care about them and want to ensure their safety.”

But, in some cases, journalists were banned because they did not have press cards, Thavry added.

Khuon Leakena, a freelance journalist and a member of Cambodian Female Journalists (CFJ), who attended the workshop told CamboJA News that she faced numerous challenges as a freelancer.

She mentioned that the CFJ team had requested multiple times for a press card for her from the Ministry of Information, but she has yet to receive it.

Without a press card to prove that she is a journalist, she said there is no protection for her if she got into trouble and was more likely to be scolded by the police, as they will assume she is not a legitimate media practitioner.

“Without a press card, it’s difficult to work and access information. When we attend major events, they always ask for a press card. Even though we have an office ID card, they still won’t let us in without the press card from the ministry,” she said. 

Regarding the press card application, Tim Solina, deputy director-general of the General Department of Information and Broadcasting and a ministry representative, simply said journalists who faced this issue, can submit a letter to them.

Roeun Samnang, editor-in-chief of Say Pouch Hot News, which is based in Battambang province, told CamboJA News that she encountered many challenges as a woman journalist, especially when she went to the field to report. 

She also said that she struggles to do interviews with local authorities, noting that they frequently say they are busy, in meetings or need to travel to Phnom Penh.

“At times, they just tell us that they will send someone to follow up and end the call. 

“We can’t publish a story without accurate sources. I don’t know where to turn to for help. Even the local authorities won’t give us specific information. How can we get the story published?” she said.

Given the challenges faced by women journalists, she urged local authorities to ensure equal treatment in the field. “Please don’t discriminate against us; we deserve equal rights, like male journalists,” she added.

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