Written by Vincent Macisaac
The Phnom Penh Post
Two agents from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived in Phnom Penh this week to assist in the investigation of the murder of opposition journalist Khim Sambo and his son, a US embassy official has confirmed.
US embassy spokesman John Johnson said the agents arrived on Sunday, following a request from the Ministry of Interior, and that their role would be "purely supportive" of the Cambodian investigation.
Johnson said the agents have no definite timeframe for their involvement and could stay until the investigation is complete.
Phnom Penh's Deputy Police Chief Hy Prou, who is heading the investigation, said his police officials met with the agents Wednesday to discuss the case.
He said police currently have no leads on a suspect and that the complexities of the case have made investigation difficult.
But Chan Soveth, a program officer with the Cambodian rights group Adhoc, expressed concern that the FBI was not taking a more aggressive role in the investigation.
"If the FBI cannot work independently, [their assistance] is just a political game," he said.
Chan Soveth arrived at the scene of the July 11 double homicide about 30 minutes after it occurred and has been investigating the killings ever since.
According to Chan Soveth's recently completed preliminary assessment, Khim Sambo's reporting for the Sam Rainsy-affiliated newspaper Moneaksekar Khmer had frequently prompted threats from powerful individuals.
Contradicting claims made by some government officials, Chan Soveth said he found no evidence that either Khim Sambo or his son were involved in a personal dispute that could have triggered the killings.
His son was also shot twice from behind and died later that night in a Phnom Penh hospital.
"The perpetrators had no fear of being arrested. They weren't wearing helmets and made no attempt to disguise their identity," he said.
Chan Soveth said he was able to gather information from those present during the crime after he arrived at the scene.
When he returned the next morning, no one would speak to him.
Chan Soveth declined to say who he believed was responsible for the killings.
"I want to continue living in Cambodia," he said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CHEANG SOKHA
US embassy spokesman John Johnson said the agents arrived on Sunday, following a request from the Ministry of Interior, and that their role would be "purely supportive" of the Cambodian investigation.
Johnson said the agents have no definite timeframe for their involvement and could stay until the investigation is complete.
Phnom Penh's Deputy Police Chief Hy Prou, who is heading the investigation, said his police officials met with the agents Wednesday to discuss the case.
He said police currently have no leads on a suspect and that the complexities of the case have made investigation difficult.
But Chan Soveth, a program officer with the Cambodian rights group Adhoc, expressed concern that the FBI was not taking a more aggressive role in the investigation.
"If the FBI cannot work independently, [their assistance] is just a political game," he said.
Chan Soveth arrived at the scene of the July 11 double homicide about 30 minutes after it occurred and has been investigating the killings ever since.
According to Chan Soveth's recently completed preliminary assessment, Khim Sambo's reporting for the Sam Rainsy-affiliated newspaper Moneaksekar Khmer had frequently prompted threats from powerful individuals.
Contradicting claims made by some government officials, Chan Soveth said he found no evidence that either Khim Sambo or his son were involved in a personal dispute that could have triggered the killings.
IF THE FBI CANNOT WORK INDEPENDENTLY [THEIR ASSISTANCE] IS JUST A POLITICAL GAME.Khim Sambo was killed instantly after being shot twice in the back while riding on a motorbike driven by his son, Chan Soveth said.
His son was also shot twice from behind and died later that night in a Phnom Penh hospital.
"The perpetrators had no fear of being arrested. They weren't wearing helmets and made no attempt to disguise their identity," he said.
Chan Soveth said he was able to gather information from those present during the crime after he arrived at the scene.
When he returned the next morning, no one would speak to him.
Chan Soveth declined to say who he believed was responsible for the killings.
"I want to continue living in Cambodia," he said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CHEANG SOKHA
5 comments:
Hun Sen Police maight forge documents for FBI.But we hope FBi will not be cheated by the criminal Cambodian policemen.
Now, the US should be prepared to grant political asylum for those who have the audacity to provide -- if necessary act as witness (or witnesses)-- information of the incident, and therefore he/she does not fear of reprisal of the Cambodian government. Otherwise, I'd be hard-press if these people would come forward for the information.
Homeless (was forced against my will to flee from my house in Phnom Penh in the middle of the night)
Would it make difference if FBI found anny thing? You dare to point your finguer to Hyana lare?
What FBI can expect from Cambodian police's corporation when the policemen are the spearhead of the killing?
It is surely the political game..."I kill Kim Sambho and his son, and I appealed FBI to restore my reputation through their affiliation".
Cambodia is under the safeguard of criminal policemen...if you are silent you are alive, if you are waking up against me you are died....no way and no chance to find the perpetrators....never since the killing of well-known actress Piseth Philika to recently killed of Kim Sambo and his son.
Those policemen in Cambodia has come to power without having any National Security Clearance. So idiot management of national security of Cambodian government.
Most policemen entities are the former Vietnamese agents during their occupation of 1979-1989, and new incoming agents are entitling to hold guns as policemen.
Don't be hurry to believe me, go yourself to all national policemen headquarters in all provisions, either capital city or provinces, major of them are the secret agents!
What independence and peace being existed in Cambodia when the dishonest safety-guards persons are safeguarding our security and peace? What proud of peace we are? And mechanism in your brain? Or the government is just booming the cabinet and officials like a LOBSTER?
Use your brain Khmer people!
KY
Khmer people has learnt to adore someone who almost in his entire career sheds light and bring hope for the misfortune people. The people even the ground root supporters for the ruling people are back to the rationale and consciousness. They can't have a slight trust for cpp since the price of everything is killing them with their eye open. What do you suggest they do to tackle their daily life's expense? Price of gasoline, necessary commodities ..etc. Cpp now cannot just tame the people with cunning tactics of words..People will revolt and look for other sources and leaders that can "liberate" them from the miseries. And obviously the development is not giving helping hands for poor people to benifit rather the elites of the party and clans. Who not revolt when they can't even feed their hungry stomach? Why more support for the ruling system when the people get to realize that believingly the people are foolishy exploited for just benefits of particular individuals.
Say quick and act quick!
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