Original report from Phnom Penh
23/05/2007
The National Assembly Wednesday began debate over a long-awaited penal code, aiming to officially pass into law regulations that has been followed on an ad hoc basis for a decade.
Cambodia will get help from France and Japan on a law that covers duties of authorities, nature of charges and the role of investigation and interrogation in the judiciary. It also limits the roles of prosecutors, judges and police.
The law enables the wire tapping or electronic surveillance of suspects by investigating judges.
"The penal code legislation is a very special instrument for criminal cases," Ministry of Justice Secretary Y Dan said. "The new penal code legislation is a measure for special law enforcement people to use, meaning the courts."
Cambodia will get help from France and Japan on a law that covers duties of authorities, nature of charges and the role of investigation and interrogation in the judiciary. It also limits the roles of prosecutors, judges and police.
The law enables the wire tapping or electronic surveillance of suspects by investigating judges.
"The penal code legislation is a very special instrument for criminal cases," Ministry of Justice Secretary Y Dan said. "The new penal code legislation is a measure for special law enforcement people to use, meaning the courts."
1 comment:
The penal code is needed but not one that will limit freedom of expression or violate the rights of others for a fair and just judgement before the law.
In the current draft penal code, there are some troubling concerns; ex.
1. making it a crime to critize the judgement of the court--this will go further to fuel the politicization of the court and the fact that outrageous judgement of the cambodian Kangaroo court can not be critized will further allow the free hands of the judge to be more corrupt.
2. Wire tapping of "suspects" should not be allowed. Just a reminder that Human Rights Activists can become "suspects" with an order from the powerful.
Post a Comment