kang
Cambodian Center for Human Rigths
Press Release
Phnom Penh – 14 October 2009
Phnom Penh – 14 October 2009
THE CCHR WELCOMES THE INTERVENTION OF HIS MAJESTY KING NORODOM SIHAMOUNI IN THE CASE OF JUDGE THOR SARON
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) today welcomes the intervention of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamouni in the case of Judge Thor Saron following a letter sent by the CCHR – dated 10 September 2009– to His Majesty outlining our concerns in relation to alleged misconduct on the part of Judge Thor Saron and respectfully requesting the Judge’s investigation by the Supreme Council of Magistracy. On Tuesday 13 October 2009, the CCHR was given a copy of a letter dated 24 September 2009, signed by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamouni and sent to Justice Minister and member of the Supreme Council of Magistracy – Ang Vong Vathana – forwarding the CCHR request to the Minister and requesting the Minister to initiate an investigation into the alleged misconduct of Judge Thor Saron throughout his investigation of a land dispute in Ratanakkiri Province between indigenous Tumpuon villagers and a private company – the DM Group.
As a result of the intervention of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamouni – Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana stated in the National Assembly on Monday 12 October that an investigation into had been ordered into various alleged improprieties on the part of Judge Thor Saron. Today – 14 October 2009 – however, a Justice Ministry spokesman – Bunyan Narin – was quoted in the Cambodia Daily to the effect that the investigation into Judge Thor Saron was yet to start as the Justice Minister was yet to sign off on the letter of the inspection secretariat seeking the investigation of the Judge. The CCHR therefore encourages the Justice Minister to sign off on the letter of the inspection secretariat so that the investigation can get underway immediately.
The CCHR also notes that on 13 October 2009, Judge Thor Saron was cited in the Phnom Penh Post to the effect that he and a Prosecutor of the Ratanakkiri Provincial Court had used a pick-up truck previously confiscated by the Court as evidence in a murder case. Accordingly, the CCHR urges the extension of any investigation into the usage of the pick-up truck to include any individuals alleged to have been involved.
On 12 October 2009, the CCHR wrote letters to His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouni and Dith Munty of the Supreme Council of Magistracy supporting our previous letter to the His Majesty the King and outlining additional concerns that have since arisen in relation to Judge Thor Saron. The CCHR is hopeful that the developments of the previous two days in relation to the case of Judge Thor Saron represents a watershed in Cambodia whereby the actions of delinquent judges will no longer be permitted to go unpunished.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ou Virak, President, CCHR
Tel: +855 12 404051
email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org
As a result of the intervention of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamouni – Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana stated in the National Assembly on Monday 12 October that an investigation into had been ordered into various alleged improprieties on the part of Judge Thor Saron. Today – 14 October 2009 – however, a Justice Ministry spokesman – Bunyan Narin – was quoted in the Cambodia Daily to the effect that the investigation into Judge Thor Saron was yet to start as the Justice Minister was yet to sign off on the letter of the inspection secretariat seeking the investigation of the Judge. The CCHR therefore encourages the Justice Minister to sign off on the letter of the inspection secretariat so that the investigation can get underway immediately.
The CCHR also notes that on 13 October 2009, Judge Thor Saron was cited in the Phnom Penh Post to the effect that he and a Prosecutor of the Ratanakkiri Provincial Court had used a pick-up truck previously confiscated by the Court as evidence in a murder case. Accordingly, the CCHR urges the extension of any investigation into the usage of the pick-up truck to include any individuals alleged to have been involved.
On 12 October 2009, the CCHR wrote letters to His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouni and Dith Munty of the Supreme Council of Magistracy supporting our previous letter to the His Majesty the King and outlining additional concerns that have since arisen in relation to Judge Thor Saron. The CCHR is hopeful that the developments of the previous two days in relation to the case of Judge Thor Saron represents a watershed in Cambodia whereby the actions of delinquent judges will no longer be permitted to go unpunished.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ou Virak, President, CCHR
Tel: +855 12 404051
email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org
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