Call to Pull Plug on Re-Release of "Provocative" Song

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is calling on the chief of police to prevent Kea Sokun's banned hip hop song, "Blood of Protesters', from being re-released
A man walks past the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, September 1, 2022. Kiripost/Siv Channa
A man walks past the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, September 1, 2022. Kiripost/Siv Channa

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is urging the General Commissioner of the National Police to take action to prevent the release of the song "Blood of Protesters".

According to a statement made on Friday, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts ordered the General Commissioner of the National Police, Neth Savoeun, to take measures to prohibit promotion of the rap song "Blood of Protesters," which is now being shared on social media.

A statement said that the song composed and sung by Kea Sokun is considered to be provocative and may cause social insecurity.

It added that the song had previously been banned and convicted by the Ministry of Interior, but that it has lately been re-released.

“In order to avoid any irregularities that may occur as a result of this provocative song, I would like to request that the General act in line with the current legal processes,” Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said in a statement.

Khun Tharo, program manager at CENTRAL, said that he is unaware of the aim of the request for action, however, the purpose of publishing the song is just to remember the date January 3, 2014.

“As we all know, it was the event that prompted the demand for higher wages in order for garment workers to live comfortably,” he said. “Moreover, we want to demonstrate to the public that the victims and victims' families who perished and were subjected to violence in that tragedy did not receive justice.”

He said that he saw nothing contrary to what the ministry claimed.

“Importantly, the song's aim is simply to seek justice and honour all of the brave protestors who took part in the event,” he said.

Chhay Kim Khoeun, Deputy National Police chief, said that he was unaware of the statement. However, he stated that as the judicial authority, he will carry out his duties.