Monday, 1 February 2010

Police officer fired for alleged rape of teen


via CAAI News Media

Monday, 01 February 2010 15:05 May Titthara and Tep Nimol

A PHNOM Penh police officer accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in a karaoke bar was fired and his case sent to the Municipal Court, according to a letter from the Ministry of Interior that was obtained by the Post on Sunday.

The January 4 letter, sent by Prum Sokha, a secretary of state at the ministry, to National Assembly President Heng Samrin, said the rape took place in a karaoke bar in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district on October 30.

The letter added that the police officer had been fired because the case had “affected the honour of the national police”.

Municipal Police Chief Touch Naruth confirmed Sunday that the 43-year-old police officer was fired on December 17 and that the case was sent to the Municipal Court.

The policeman has not been charged yet with any crime, and Touch Naruth added that the victim has agreed to drop the charges in exchange for US$250. Touch Naruth said the victim has since left the capital without providing any contact information.

Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian Mu Sochua said Sunday that she will send a letter to the Ministry of Justice today requesting that the police officer be arrested.

“I will continue working on this case to help find justice for the victims,” she said.

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