The Cambodian government reacts to Who Killed Chea Vichea?'s Peabody Award. From The Cambodia Daily:

Phay Siphan, spokesman at the [Cambodian government] Council of Ministers, who saw the documentary last year, said the Peabody Awards were likely a “politically motivated” institution” ... “It’s a campaign against the government....It’s more like propaganda,” said Mr. Siphan, adding that anyone can submit a complaint to the Ministry of Interior about the killing of Chea Vichea if they want to.

Chea Vichea Documentary Receives Prestigious Award (April 6, 2012)

In the Phnom Penh Post, the director of the Peabody Board, Horace Newcomb, and the director of Who Killed Chea Vichea?, Bradley Cox, respond to Siphan's accusation:

“This is simply not the case,” said Newcomb. “A review of all the award recipients over the years shows a concern for social issues, but also for entertainment, education, public service and so on. Such a review would show no political motivation other than our interest in excellent media production.”

“The Cambodian government has been trying to block our movie from the beginning, so it’s no surprise that they would disparage it again now, but their comments, as usual, are completely without merit,” Cox said.  

Peabody Puts Banned Film Back in Spotlight (April 12, 2012)

Speaking to Voice of America, Newcomb added “The Peabody Award is not politically motivated ... It looks for excellence in media production, excellence of many different sorts, excellence on its own terms, and that’s what we found in this documentary.” (VoA, April 18, 2012)

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