Compensation for Falsely Jailed Men Unlikely in Cambodia

After spending 2,073 days in prison, Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun were exonerated on Wednesday by the Supreme Court of having killed popular union leader Chea Vichea in 2004. ... Legal expert Sok Sam Oeun of the Cambodian Defenders Project said that although the two men would be entitled to immediate compensation in other countries, their chances of getting it were slim in Cambodia. “It is very hard. One requirement is both of them must file a complaint. Second, they must have evidence to prove that at the time of their arrest, the police knew that they weren't the real perpetrators and that they put them in jail as scapegoats,” he said, adding that the two men would also have to find a strong lawyer who is willing to take the case. ... “Then they have to file a complaint with the police,” asking to investigate the very police officers who arrested them, Mr. Sam Oeun said. “And then the question is: Has the court enough courage to give them justice?” he said. ... Lawyer Sok Sam Oeun said that judiciary reform was needed to install a similar system here, in which compensation was in place for innocent citizens who spent time in jail after a conviction. “We can build on this case and have to think about a future law reform…where the government must pay for anyone who was maliciously arrested. This also makes sure that all police are careful with evidence before they arrest someone,” he said.

 Denise Hruby and Khy Sovuthy
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/compensation-for-falsely-jailed-men-unlikely-in-cambodia-43684/