Cambodian editor harassed for linking Hun Sen nephew to land grab

The editor-in-chief of a Cambodian newspaper, “Sralanh Khmer” (Love Khmer) has received death threats and a lawsuit from a nephew of Prime Minister Hun Sen, reports coming out Phnom Penh say. The editor reportedly is being harassed for a published article which suggests that Hun Sen’s nephew, Hun Tho, was involved in a land-grabbing case in Northeast Mondolkiri province.

Burma blocking Gmail, Gtalk—reports

Burma appears to have blocked access to Gmail and G-Talk, two of the most popular Internet applications in one of the world’s most restricted societies. Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT)—which holds a monopoly over Burma’s postal and telecommunications sector—is believed to be tightening controls over cyberspace as demand for information in and coming out of the country spike in line with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 60th birthday, and worldwide campaigns calling for her release from detention.

Vietnam readies stricter press laws

Strict new press regulations will take effect in Vietnam starting in July, reports coming out of the country say, amid signs that national leaders are growing wary of trend for more aggressive and enterprising journalism. The Deutsche Press Agentur (DPA) is reporting that a new decree has been unsheathed that will, among other things, punish “denying revolutionary achievements” and require journalists to have articles reviewed before publication.

Thaksin files another $20-million libel case vs opposition, three newspapers

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has filed criminal and civil defamation suits against the opposition Democrat Party and three newspaper editors, and is seeking 800-million-baht (around US$20 million) in damages. The Thai leader said he was libeled by Democrat Party spokesman Thepthai Senpong when the latter suggested that Thaksin is clinging to power.

Newspaper staffers attacked in Dili

Two employees of a leading independent newspaper in East Timor were beaten up on 13 June by a gang of youths, reports from Dili say, in what journalists fear may be an act to further intimidate their sector amid spiralling violence in the country. Timor Post editor Carlos de Jesus, speaking with the Agence France Presse, said two of his staffers from the paper’s circulation and advertising departments were attacked just outside of their office in Dili.