Comment on “Cambodian Pressure on Pro-Democracy Activists in Japan: Cross-Border Repression Raises Alarm Among Scholars” [in Japanese]

On February 6, 2025, an article on the Asahi Shimbun titled “Cambodian Pressure on Pro-Democracy Activists in Japan: Cross-Border Repression Raises Alarm Among Scholars,” including an interview and comment with Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law) was published. The article reports a series of incidents in which the Cambodian government—tightening its political control under the prime minister’s family—has targeted individuals abroad. These include the detention of family members of democracy activists residing in Japan, and the prosecution of opposition leaders who returned to Cambodia from Japan. Professor Ichihara warned that such acts of cross-border repression by foreign governments constitute human rights violations and infringements on national sovereignty and expressed concern over the broader trend of democratic backsliding across Asia. In comments, she further emphasized that Japan, having played a role in Cambodia’s peace process and the formation of its current political framework, should recognize its responsibility and engage with the situation as a stakeholder.

https://digital.asahi.com/articles/AST102G9JT10UHBI01JM.html?iref=commentator_detail_article