FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2019

Contact: Rohit Mahajan | 202.530.4976 | mahajanr@rfa.org

Statement of Libby Liu, President of Radio Free Asia, on Anniversary of Arrest of Ex-RFA Journalists in Cambodia

WASHINGTON – Radio Free Asia President Libby Liu today issued the following statement on the two-year anniversary of the arrest of Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin, two former RFA journalists in Cambodia, who still face charges, including “espionage,” in connection with their work for RFA. On Nov. 11, The Bangkok Post published Liu’s related op-ed. Liu’s statement is as follows:

“For two years, journalists Yeang Sothearin and Uon Chhin have been forced to endure a never-ending nightmare at the hands of Cambodian authorities. Their unjust prosecution is emblematic of the struggle for press freedom and free expression in Cambodia. 

“On the anniversary of their arrest – when Sothearin and Chhin’s ordeal began – there is an opportunity to do the right thing by dropping the unsubstantiated charges against them. Authorities can end a pointless persecution of two proud journalists and rekindle some hope for a free press in Cambodia.”

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Radio Free Asia is a private, nonprofit corporation broadcasting and publishing online news, information, and commentary in nine East Asian languages to listeners who do not have access to full and free news media.  RFA’s broadcasts seek to promote the rights of freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to “seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” RFA is funded by an annual grant from the United States Agency for Global Media.

Rohit Mahajan | Radio Free Asia | Vice President of Communications & External Relations

mahajanr@rfa.org | O: 202.530.4976 | M: 202.489.8021