PHNOM PENH: On Monday morning, 13 February 2023, the Ministry of Information issued a proclamation announcing the revocation of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media's (CCIM) license, which is the official operating and managing body of Voice of Democracy (VOD), located at 14A, Street 392, Village 9, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang I, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh.

The Ministry of Information stated that VOD’s license was being revoked on the grounds that the media outlet had seriously violated the profession of journalism, harmed the honor and prestige of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and refused to amend mistakes based on the provisions of the law.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that he could not accept the letter from VOD expressing regret, as he noted that instead of an apology he received a request for forgiveness. VOD erroneously published that Cambodia's humanitarian donation to Turkey was signed off by the Prime Minister's son, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, on behalf of his father.

The Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Information to revoke the media outlet's license from 10 am of 13 February 2023 onwards.

Although VOD issued another letter apologizing to Prime Minister Hun Sen, he maintained his position and ordered the Ministry of Information to go ahead and revoke the media license, saying there was no change.

VOD was established on 16 January 2003 by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR). The Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) was established in 2007 and is registered with the Ministry of Interior as an NGO and the governing body of VOD.