Sok Sam Oeun and Born Samnang

Today the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment of the Phnom Penh Court of August 1, 2005. Sok Sam Oeun and Born Samnang are sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay Riel 40.000.000 in compensation to the family of Chea Vichea. The Director of Legal Aid of Cambodia, Mrs. Peung Yok Hiep, representing the family of Chea Vichea, is disappointed with this judgment. She states:

“There was not sufficient proof against the accused pair. Just as in the trial at first instance the Court of Appeal trial lacked proper witnesses and forensic evidence. My clients, the family of Chea Vichea, are also very disappointed. They do not believe in the guilt of the pair. They will refuse the compensation that the Court of Appeal ordered them to pay, because they do not believe the two convicted are the real murderers.”

Mrs. Peung Yok Hiep further states on the rule of law in Cambodia:

“It is clear that the rule of law has been overruled by other rulers. This judgment illustrates Cambodia still has a long way to go on the path towards the rule of law, where all people are subject to a fair legal system and will have to abide the law.”

If you have any further questions concerning this press release, please contact Mrs. Peung
Yok Hiep, director of Legal Aid of Cambodia, +855 12 823 745 or lac@lac.org.kh.