24/08/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 23 August, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) underlined the importance of press freedom in Cambodia, at a time when Cambodia Daily, which is known for its critical investigations, is threatened with closure by the government. The Cambodian government argues that the newspaper owes around €5 million in unpaid tax, which is due before 4 September. "A free media is an important underpinning of pluralist democracy", the EEAS spokesperson stated, underscoring the EU's concerns about "the use of a range of laws to restrict the space for criticism and to quell political debate". Without commenting on whether or not the fine is justified, the EEAS spokesperson said that the EU expected the Cambodian authorities to ensure "proper process through which the level of the Cambodia Daily obligations can be established and an appropriate method and timetable agreed for the payment of any outstanding sums". (CG)