Original report from Phnom Penh
14 March 2008
Khmer audio aired March 14 (981KB) - Listen (MP3)
Russian investor Alexander Trofimov was handed a 13-year jail sentence Friday on a conviction of abusing a 14-year-old girl in the beach resort town of Sihanoukville.
Trofimov, 41, had been an influential investor on the coast and was leading a $300-million development on Snake Island until his arrest in October 2007.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruled Friday on a case heard earlier this week, finding Trofimov guilty of debauchery, in one of several cases Trofimov now faces for sex acts with young girls.
Cambodian Phal Vannara received an 11-year jail term for his role in procuring the girl for Trofimov.
"There is enough evidence to prove his guilt," said Municipal Judge Ke Sokhan, who presided over a three-judge panel in the case.
The crime affected the security, culture, dignity, honor and health of humankind, Ke Sokhan said.
"I'm very happy for the municipal verdict," said the victim, who had requested that her hearing be made public.
The court, which has mandated one month for appeal, ordered the two to pay $100,000 in compensation to the victim.
"The court decision is unjust for my client, because there is not enough evidence against him," said Ouch Sophal, Trofimov's lawyer. "I still defend my client; he is not guilty at all."
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