Unjust Verdict Issued by Phnom Penh Municipal Court in Chea Vichea Case Against Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun
Published on 3 August 2005; Cambodia Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC)
The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 NGOs, is deeply concerned by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's guilty verdict for Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun, accused of the murder of Chea Vichea, Free Trade Union leader and Sam Rainsy Party activist. They were each sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $5,000 compensation each to the plaintiff.
CHRAC considers the verdict, returned on August 1, 2005 by Judge Kong Set, as unfair and based on political bias rather than on independent and reasonable judgment.
CHRAC believes that the court's decision did not consider sufficient evidence to make its decision given that Judge Kong Set did not consider documents, witnesses' exculpatory evidence, threats and attempted bribes by the police. In particular, the judge ignored many irregularities in the process even though the lawyers of both the defendant and plaintiff argued these were illegal.
CHRAC also observed irregularities in the conduct of the police and the court staff, demonstrating that the court is not yet able to act independently in judging politically charged case. The Government must prioritize immediate judicial reform.
CHRAC strongly appeals to the police to continue searching for the real killers in order to find justice for both the two men convicted in this case and the murdered victim Chea Vichea. The court must restore the honor and prestige of legal institutions in Cambodia.
For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun Chairman of CHRAC and CDP Tel: 012 901 199
▪ Mr. Thun Saray President of ADHOC Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru President of LICADHO Tel: 012 803 174
▪ Mr. Yong Kim Eng President of KYA Tel: 016 828 211
▪ Mrs. Nay Dina Executive Director of KID Tel: 011 924 286
