Cambodia Threatens Journalists Over Pandemic Lockdown Coverage as Cases Surge — Radio Free Asia

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continued to surge in continental Southeast Asia on Tuesday with a spike in Cambodia prompting the government to threaten legal action against journalists who cover stories in “red zone” areas with strict lockdowns.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Information said local and foreign media coverage of the red zone has “confused the public and provoked social chaos that will lead to more COVID-19 spreading.”

“In order to protect social security and prevent COVID-19 from spreading, the Ministry of Information is advising journalists to halt all actions immediately,” it said in a statement issued Tuesday. “In the event that people continue to ignore this notice, [we] will take legal action.”

Ministry spokesman Meas Sophorn told RFA that journalists who went to “red zone” areas and broadcast live via social…