Gerry Flynn Ban from Cambodia: A Sentinel of Press Freedom

A British journalist who has been covering environmental issues in Cambodia for the past five years has been banned from re-entering the country. Gerry Flynn, a 33-year-old staff writer at Mongabay, was denied re-entry on January 5, 2024, after a vacation in Thailand. Flynn went public with the incident, describing it as a personal and professional setback.

The Incident: Flying in the Face of Adversity

Flynn initially faced scrutiny when he departed Cambodia on January 2, 2024, at the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. Upon his return three days later, authorities questioned him further, claiming his visa had been obtained fraudulently and placing him on a blacklist.

Despite possessing a one-year Type E business visa and a valid work permit, Flynn was told he was banned indefinitely. His press accreditation had expired on January 1, but he had already applied for its renewal.

Mongabay’s Stand: Seeking Justice

Mongabay, Flynn’s news outlet, believes his ban is retaliatory. Flynn recently contributed to a France24 documentary titled “Real carbon, false credits? Investigating mass deforestation in Cambodia,” which Cambodia’s government labeled “fake news.”

Two other contributors to the documentary were detained but later released. Flynn himself faced severe questioning and was ultimately banished from the country.

Government Silence and Confirmation of Retribution

Neither Cambodia’s government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor the press communications division responded to requests for comment. Flynn’s news outlet has expressed concern, emphasizing that Cambodia claims he had applied for a visa to work as an electrician, despite consistent evidence of his valid press pass.

Champions of Free Press Say Enough

International media watchdogs have condemned Cambodia’s actions. Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalist, noted that Flynn’s ban reflects the Cambodian authorities’ willingness to suppress independent reporting on environmental issues.

Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, stated that Cambodia is working to undermine remaining media freedom within the country.

The Dangers of Environmental Reporting in Cambodia

Reporting on environmental issues in Cambodia can be perilous. In December 2023, Chhoeung Chheng, a local journalist, died after being shot in Siem Reap province while investigating deforestation. In July 2023, 10 members of the environmental activist group Mother Nature were sentenced to six to eight years in prison for supposedly conspiring against the state.

The group had been investigating waste pollution in Phnom Penh’s Tonle Sap River and campaigning against the destruction of natural resources and corruption.

Cambodia’s Press Freedom Rankings and Ongoing Crackdown

Cambodia’s press freedom rank is 151 out of 180, according to the World Press Freedom Index, indicating a poor media environment. The country has a history of targeting journalists and human rights defenders.

In November 2023, investigative journalist Mech Dara, who exposed scam centers in Cambodia, announced his resignation after being detained for 30 days and charged with incitement. Local reporters investigating worker mistreatment at scam centers were detained in late January 2024.

Historical Shift in Cambodia’s Approach to Foreign Journalists

Flynn highlighted that Cambodia had previously refrained from targeting foreign journalists directly. However, he acknowledged that all journalists faced varying levels of harassment in the field.

A quarterly review report from the Cambodian Journalist Alliance indicated that over a dozen journalists faced legal or physical harassment between July and September 2024.

The Cost of Staying Silent

Flynn expressed frustration that the ban has consumed a month that could have been used to report on critical issues in Cambodia. His case underscores the escalating risks journalists face for their work in the country.

Call for Action: Speak Out for Press Freedom

The ban on Gerry Flynn highlights the urgent need to support and defend press freedom in Cambodia. By amplifying his story and advocating for a fair investigation into the circumstances of his ban, we can contribute to the broader effort to protect journalists worldwide.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical issue and to join us in supporting journalists like Gerry Flynn who stand up for environmental justice and fair reporting.

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