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| A Friendly Reminder: Mask-wearing still applies! |
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| Dear Members, |
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| The Government has just extended the mask-wearing requirement for 14 more days, or until March 8. That means masks must still be worn inside the Club, except when members and guests are seated at the dining tables or at the bar. Masks must be worn when entering the Club, passing through the stairways to restaurants and visiting the restrooms. Please remember to respect this remaining Government pandemic regulation. |
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| I look forward to seeing you around the Club. |
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| Keith Richburg President 24 February 2023 |
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FCC Statement on Closure of Voice of Democracy in Cambodia
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is deeply troubled by the forced closure of Cambodia’s leading independent media outlet, Voice of Democracy.
Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered VOD’s licence revoked, effective Monday, over what he said was an erroneous report about his eldest son. The prime minister had demanded an apology from VOD, but refused to reconsider the revocation even after the outlet later complied.
The sudden and arbitrary closure is a devastating attack on the country’s free press and is yet another example of the increasing restrictions on press freedom in Cambodia, coming after years of harassment and intimidation of journalists, independent media outlets, and civil society groups.
The FCC notes that the closure of VOD will have far-reaching implications for Cambodia’s already fragile democracy. As the country prepares for a general election in July 2023, Cambodian citizens need access to truthful and unbiased information to help inform their choices. The right to free and independent press is essential to the functioning of any democratic society and the FCC urges the Cambodian government to respect this fundamental right.
The FCC stands in solidarity with VOD and other independent news outlets in Cambodia, and supports all journalists’ right to cover stories without fear of harassment or arrest.
Become a Member of the FCC – The World’s Best Press Club
The FCC is a private members’ club and a vibrant community of people interested in a broad range of topics from the news gathering that forms our core, to politics, business, the arts, sports and more. We encourage you to apply before Jan. 21, when our joining fees will increase.