Battambang provincial court has decided to release three Cambodian generals accused of armed robbery on the first day of their court hearing, local newspapers reported Monday.
General Kheang Savorn, Major General Uth Sakhan and General Men Saran were arrested on January 14, 2007, for allegedly being part of a seven-strong armed gang, but were declared innocent by Judge Than Vannaroath, the Kampuchea Thmey said.
Kang Sakhan, Battambang brigadier general police chief, expressed doubt over the release and questioned the verdict, as the suspects were arrested with illegally owned weapons.
Likewise, Kouy Kan Ya, deputy court prosecutor, raised opposition against the verdict and will file a complaint against it, the newspaper said.
Despite the dissent, the suspects' attorneys defended the court's decision, the Cambodia Daily reported.
"Because my client is not linked with those armed bandits, the decision made by the judge is quite right," Bun Rithy, attorney for Ut Sakhan, was quoted as saying.
"The bandit only knew my client, but they never had any interaction involving these allegations," Hong Chansokha, the attorney for Men Saran, was quoted as saying.
In response to the disagreement, Judge Than Vannaroath explained that he issued the verdict because there was not enough evidence to accuse the three generals and police questioning was not made in accordance with the law, reported Koh Santepheap.
Source: Xinhua
General Kheang Savorn, Major General Uth Sakhan and General Men Saran were arrested on January 14, 2007, for allegedly being part of a seven-strong armed gang, but were declared innocent by Judge Than Vannaroath, the Kampuchea Thmey said.
Kang Sakhan, Battambang brigadier general police chief, expressed doubt over the release and questioned the verdict, as the suspects were arrested with illegally owned weapons.
Likewise, Kouy Kan Ya, deputy court prosecutor, raised opposition against the verdict and will file a complaint against it, the newspaper said.
Despite the dissent, the suspects' attorneys defended the court's decision, the Cambodia Daily reported.
"Because my client is not linked with those armed bandits, the decision made by the judge is quite right," Bun Rithy, attorney for Ut Sakhan, was quoted as saying.
"The bandit only knew my client, but they never had any interaction involving these allegations," Hong Chansokha, the attorney for Men Saran, was quoted as saying.
In response to the disagreement, Judge Than Vannaroath explained that he issued the verdict because there was not enough evidence to accuse the three generals and police questioning was not made in accordance with the law, reported Koh Santepheap.
Source: Xinhua
