The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Japan has expressed strong objection to an article published by Jiji Press on Monday, concerning an interview with former opposition leader Sam Rainsy in Tokyo, saying it contains misleading characterisations of Cambodia’s political situation and presents allegations against the government without adequately reflecting the relevant legal and constitutional context.
In a press statement issued in Tokyo today, the Embassy rejected the article’s portrayal of Cambodia’s political system and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), saying such a presentation risks providing a distorted and one-sided account of the country’s internal political affairs.
The embassy stressed that Cambodia is a sovereign state governed under its Constitution, with established institutions exercising their responsibilities in accordance with national laws. It noted that the country’s political and electoral processes are conducted within this constitutional and legal framework.
Regarding the dissolution of the former CNRP in 2017, the embassy recalled that the decision was rendered by the Supreme Court of Cambodia under the applicable legal framework, adding that the judicial decision should be considered in the context of the relevant legal proceedings and constitutional framework.
The statement also noted that Rainsy has been convicted and sentenced by Cambodian courts in criminal proceedings, while his self-proclaimed political structures established abroad have no constitutional or legal authority to represent the Kingdom.
The embassy further highlighted the longstanding friendship, mutual trust, respect and close cooperation between Cambodia and Japan, describing bilateral relations as valuable to both countries.
In this regard, it called on Jiji Press’s editorial leadership to take the broader context of Cambodia-Japan relations into consideration when reporting on Cambodia, stressing that responsible and balanced reporting based on factual accuracy and fair representation of relevant perspectives can promote mutual understanding and preserve the atmosphere of friendship and trust between the two peoples.
While fully respecting press freedom and editorial independence, the embassy said reporting on Cambodia should be conducted with due diligence, accuracy and fairness, with appropriate distinction between political allegations and established facts.
It called on Jiji Press to give due consideration to its concerns and ensure that relevant legal, constitutional and official perspectives are appropriately reflected in its reporting. AKP
