Former two-star generals sent to prison after questioning

Lay Virak during happier days

Thursday, 03 November 2011
Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post

Former two-star generals Lay Virak and Khoun Roeun and two accomplices were sent to Prey Sar prison yesterday after appearing in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for questioning related to their drug trafficking charges.

Presiding Judge Sieng Sok said the pair and their accomplices, Cheang Chhunly and Soun Seila, had been charged with drug trafficking and use of illegal weapons – after they were found with about 1 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine and AK47s on Monday.

In court, the two-star generals – both senior defence advisers – remained silent, but Lay Virak’s sister Lay Vary testified in support of her brother. “His character is good; I do not believe that he acted like this. I know my brother’s character,” she said.

The four defendants and their lawyers could not be reached for comment.

Nhiek Bun Chhay: the 30-40% of voters who did not go the poll during the commune election are actually F'pec would-be-voters

03 April 2007
Nhiek Bun Chhay admits that Funcinpec lost votes

Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

Nhiek Bun Chhay, Funcinpec secretary-general, admits the decline of votes supporting his party during the 2007 commune election, in comparison to 2002. Nhiek Bun Chhay explained on Radio France Internationale (RFI) that the cause of this decline was due to the reform he undertook close to the election, this led to the division of the party where one group left to join the NRP. He also added that at the local level, people are confused between Funcinpec and the NRP, thus causing the voters to hesitate to vote for either party. Nhiek Bun Chhay also said that according to the poll numbers, the number of voters have dropped by 30 to 40%, he said that the people who did not show up to vote are actually Funcinpec would-be-voters who hesitated on who to vote for.

Rift caused decline in support

03 April 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Following the results of the commune election which show the decline of support among Funcinpec and NRP, Mar Sophal, the chief investigator of the Comfrel organization, said that the decline is caused by the rift between the Funcinpec and NRP parties. The second cause of their decline stems from the fact that people living in the countryside are confused about which party is being led by Prince Ranariddh. Mar Sophal said that Funcinpec may have human resources, but NRP has Prince Ranariddh for assets. He also said that in the future, NRP could attract more votes away from Funcinpec. However, he said that both parties will face difficulties to try to obtain numerous seats for the upcoming 2008 general election. Mar Sophal added that all opposition parties must unite if they want to seriously challenge the CPP leaders.