On the morning of 10 October 2019, ADHOC senior staff member Pen Bonnar as well as Mr Chhorn Phalla and Mr Sithan Nhann, two Samoth Krom community members, appeared before the Ratanakiri Provincial Court, alongside their lawyers, as per summon of one of its investigative judge. After questioning them, the investigative judge decided the following:
- First, they have been placed under judicial supervision as of 10 October 2019;
- Consequently, they were ordered not to change residency without the permission of the court;
- Finally, they must appear before the Ratanakiri Provincial Court every two months.
It will be recalled that Mr Pen Bonnar, Mr Chhorn Phalla and Mr Sithan Nhann are being accused of “incitement to commit crimes” in Samoth Krom, Seda commune, in Lompat district of Ratanakiri province on 22 and 23 June 2017. This offence is punishable under Article 494, point 1 and Article 495 of the Criminal Code of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia.
ADHOC keeps monitoring the legal proceeding very closely, providing support to its staff member as well as the community members involved and will provide updates on the case, when relevant.
For more information, please contact
-Mr. Ny Sokha, Head of Human Rights and Land Rights Section via number 086 374 666
-Mr. Soeung Sengkaruna, Senior Monitor and Spokesperson via number 086 324 666
Text and photo by: Soeng Senkaruna
