The enforced closure of the Cambodia Daily represents a significant blow to Cambodia's media diversity. As stressed by the EU High Representative/Vice-president's Spokesperson on 3 September, a credible democratic process leading up to the National Assembly election in July 2018 requires pluralism in the media as well as among political parties. We expect the Cambodian authorities to allow the Cambodia Daily and other affected media organisations to resume and continue operations while any tax or other issues are resolved through appropriate due process.

Phnom Penh, 5 September 2017.