Ratanakkiri judges trained in new laws

via Khmer NZ

Friday, 20 August 2010 15:02 Tep Nimol

JUSTICE Ministry officials have launched a training programme for judicial and law enforcement officials in Ratanakkiri province in anticipation of the country’s new criminal code coming into force in December.

The three-day training seminars, which end today, are aimed at educating key officials about the new criminal code, which replaces the 1992 UNTAC Penal Code.

Ministry experts have been training and educating civil society groups and law enforcement officials, including police and judges, on the new procedures, said Bun Hun, an undersecretary of state at the Justice Ministry. The seminars have focused on explaining the kinds of punishments contained in the new criminal code, as well as other changes from the existing law.

“We need to disseminate the law and educate enforcers about the new law before we stop using the 1992 UNTAC law,” he said.

“The UNTAC law will be nullified, and the new law will be enforced instead.”

There are also plans to broadcast information about the new penal code on national television before it comes into force December 21, Bun Hun said.

Chhay Thy, an investigating officer for rights group Adhoc in Ratanakkiri, said the training was needed because some officials have enforced laws incorrectly in the past, rendering innocent people criminals.

“It is very beneficial ... to train further about the new law to correct all the previous mistakes,” he said.