Complaint Lodged Against Security Chiefs Over Woman’s Shooting
A protester involved in Tuesday’s clash between SL Garment Factory workers and security forces filed a complaint yesterday against Phnom Penh’s municipal and military police chiefs, accusing them of responsibility for the death of a 49-year-old street-food vendor who was killed by police gunfire, according to witnesses. Two teenagers, aged 14 and 17, were also charged Thursday by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for their alleged involvement in the violence and detained in Prey Sar prison’s Correctional Center 2. … Neang Sokhun, a 25-year-old second-year law student, who claimed he was beaten by the police during the clashes, said he filed court complaints “on behalf of the Khmer people” against municipal police chief Chuon Sovann and Lieutenant General Roth Sreang, commander of the municipal military police, for the “murder that was committed by public civil servants, in accordance with Article 204 from the Penal Code.” Article 204 pertains to “murder committed by public officials…in the performance of his or her duties or in connection therewith.” … Prak Savouth, director of prosecution clerks at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, confirmed that the complaint had been received, and that Mr. Sokhun had accused Mr. Sovann and Lt. Gen. Sreang of “ordering their armed forces to shoot workers and innocent people” resulting in the death of Eng Sokhom, who was an innocent bystander selling food. “We have received the complaint and we will implement the legal procedures,” Mr. Savouth said.
