Adhoc illegal search case dismissed

It’s the time of prahok ... and the fishing’s easy. Hin Sothea, 22, casts his net into the waters of Choeung Ek. He already has six in the bucket and there’s obviously more to come. Photo by: PHA LINA

via CAAI

Tuesday, 23 November 2010 15:01 Tep Nimol

RATANAKKIRI provincial court dismissed a complaint letter filed by a rights group official against two police officials who allegedly entered and searched his house without a warrant in 2007.

Chhay Thy, a provincial investigator for Adhoc, filed a complaint in December 2007 accusing Banlong town deputy police chiefs Puth Savy and Mar Buntuong of entering his house without a search warrant while he was not home. It accused the pair of evading human rights and housing rights, and demanded 4 million riels (US$987) in compensation.

According to a letter signed by provincial prosecutor Ros Saram – which was signed on November 17 and seen by The Post yesterday – the complaint was dismissed without detailing a reason.

Chhay Thy said yesterday the court’s refusal to follow up the complaint was an “injustice”.

“I cannot accept the court’s decision and I will file a complaint to the Appeal Court against the decision,” he said.

Mar Buntuong said yesterday he would maintain a good relationship with Chhay Thy despite the complaint.

Provincial prosecutor Ros Saram could not be reached for comment yesterday.