The Cambodia Daily today officially announced it will cease publication on Monday, following what it described in a press release as “extra-legal threats by the government”.

In the release, the Daily confirmed the newspaper would shut down over a $6.3 million tax dispute with the Cambodian government, a dispute that representatives and observers have condemned as being political in nature.

“The power to tax is the power to destroy. And after 24 years and 15 days, the Cambodian government has destroyed The Cambodia Daily, a special and singular part of Cambodia’s free press,” the statement reads.

The press release acknowledged the possibility of a “legitimate” dispute, but accused the Cambodian government of making “unfounded and defamatory” statements and handling the situation illegally and unprofessionally.

“The Daily has been targeted with an astronomical tax assessment, leaks and false statements by the tax department and public vilification by the head of government before an audit, much less a legal proceeding,” the release continues.

“On Monday, the Daily’s service to the Cambodian people will end. We want to thank … our staff, who have fought fiercely and courageously to report All the News Without Fear or Favor,” the statement concludes.