Cambodia Denies Re-Entry to Investigative Journalist Gerald Flynn

February 03, 2025 – Cambodia –

Cambodian authorities denied re-entry to British investigative journalist Gerald Flynn, citing alleged discrepancies in his visa application. Flynn, who has reported extensively on environmental issues in Cambodia, particularly illegal logging and land grabbing, was barred from returning after a brief trip to Thailand. Despite holding a valid work permit and a 12-month extension to his multiple-entry business visa, immigration officials claimed that Flynn had submitted a fraudulent visa application and placed him on a blacklist dating back to November 25, 2024.

Flynn’s exclusion follows his involvement in a France24 documentary aired in November 2024, which was critical of Cambodia’s carbon offsetting efforts. The Cambodian government condemned the documentary, labeling it as “fake news” and accusing the French broadcaster of misleading the public. Flynn himself described the government’s actions as a “blatant attack on journalism” and an attempt to suppress critical reporting on environmental issues.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting it as another example of the Cambodian government’s intolerance towards independent media. The FCCT noted that such actions contribute to the shrinking space for press freedom in the country, where journalists face increasing harassment and intimidation.

Flynn’s blacklisting underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Cambodia who investigate sensitive topics such as environmental degradation and corruption. The incident has drawn international condemnation from press freedom organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, which have called for the immediate reversal of the ban and for the Cambodian government to uphold its commitments to press freedom.

Despite the government’s actions, Flynn remains committed to his work, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism in holding power to account and shedding light on critical issues affecting Cambodia’s environment and society.

Reference – 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/04/british-investigative-journalist-gerald-flynn-mongabay-banned-cambodia-ntwnfb

Mongabay reporter Gerald Flynn barred from re-entering Cambodia

Cambodia denies re-entry to Mongabay journalist who reported on illegal logging