On Monday, Cambodia’s PM Hun Sen cancelled the broadcasting licence of the online Khmer- and English-language outlet Voice of Democracy. The US, French and German embassies expressed the deep concern which was described by the spokeman for Cambodia’s foreign ministery, as "the politically-driven, prejudiced and biased concerns" of some embassies.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has served as the incumbent Prime Minister since 1985, one of the longest serving leaders in the world and has come under scrutiny for alleged violations of human rights and corruption. Control of Cambodia’s media has been deteriorating with significant media assets, including the Bayaon Television owned and operated by his his family..