Justice in Cambodia: will an exact copy of the Chea Vichea case end with the same outcome?

Phnom Penh (Cambodia). 11/02/2009: Chan Sopheak, also known as Thach Saveth, changing back to prison uniform, in the van that will take him back to prison. (Photo: John Vink / Magnum)

11-02-2009
By Duong Sokha
Ka-set

On December 31st 2008, Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun were released – on bail for now – after spending almost five years behind bars for the murder of Chea Vichea, president of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC), at the end of a process marred by irregularities. The case of Thach Saveth, who was arrested for the killing of another member of the FTUWKC steering committee, Ros Sovannareth, presents striking similarities with that of Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun. He appeared on Wednesday February 11th before the Court of Appeal, who will only issue its verdict on February 18th. Once again, civil society calls for the case to be dismissed and denounces the inconsistency of the evidence against the 27-year-old paratrooper.

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