Hun Sen orders shutdown of independent local news outlet in Cambodia

13 Sept 14:06 Key points summarised by AI

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the immediate shutdown of The Voice of Democracy (VOD), a leading independent news organization, effective Monday, February 13, 2023.
The closure was prompted by a VOD story alleging that Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, signed an earthquake aid agreement, which the Prime Minister deemed an attack on his family and an overstep of Manet's military position.
Hun Sen rejected VOD's subsequent apology and explanation, asserting that the report damaged the government's dignity and reputation and demanding the cancellation of their license.
This move marks another instance of independent media suppression in Cambodia under Hun Sen's long rule, following similar shutdowns like The Cambodia Daily in 2017, and occurs months before the country's general election.

Myanmar extends martial law for another 90 days

Yesterday 10:44 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing extended martial law for an additional 90 days across 55 townships.
Administrative and executive powers under the decree were transferred to Gen Ye Win Oo, commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
This marks another extension of martial law, though the number of designated townships was slightly reduced from 58 to 55.
The affected townships are primarily regions under the control or occupation of various ethnic armed groups and resistance forces.