Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 24 – Chun Chanboth, deputy director of the US-backed Radio Free Asia (RFA), told Cambodian Premier Hun Sen’s eldest son General Hun Manet that as the deputy he does not have the rights to freely express his opinion to the public and were under a lot of pressure by the RFA’s Director Sam Poly.

This is according to the conversation between General Hun Manet and Chun Chanboth in a meeting held in Phnom Penh on 10 April 2017, and was leaked to Fresh News on 20 September 2020 by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“He [Sam Poly] is the director, but he focuses more on administration work due to lacks of journalism,” Chanboth stated.

In the two-hour conversation, Chun Chanboth also informed Manet, “the United States Intelligence translated Hun Manet’s statements as well as contents and images published by Fresh News and report to their superior in order to scrutinise Cambodian government’s activities.”

Chanboth continued that the meeting with Manet is a great opportunity for both parties to learn from one another and they can collaborate so that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party can use RFA just like the opposition party.

“In fact, RFA does not serve the CNRP exclusively. It is just that the CPP ignores us,” Chanboth underlined.

Chanboth also asked for protection from General Hun Manet and Brigade 70 Commander Mao Sophann, for he feared the CIA would kill him.

The leaked audio is available below.
=FRESH NEWS