Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Group calls for probe into Kandal killing



via CAAI News Media

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 15:04 Chrann Chamroeun

THE rights group Adhoc brought a complaint to Kandal provincial court Tuesday urging it to re-examine the body of a 25-year-old man who was allegedly beaten by Kandork commune police officials during a wedding reception on Sunday, as an autopsy report stated the man died from an unspecified illness.

Long Chhun Leng was found dead on Monday at his mother’s house close to where the reception was held. Adhoc provincial coordinator Men Makara said the victim had just returned from buying wine for the wedding at around 9:30pm Sunday when a generator stopped working.

As he tried to find a new generator, two off-duty police officers – Chhor Sarath and Sun Vantha – who were guests at the wedding, allegedly told the victim it was “none of his business” before handcuffing and beating him, Men Makara said. The victim then ran to his house for help, he added.

“We do not agree the victim died from illness, as we have learned the victim has never had diseases or any health problems,” Men Makara said. The autopsy report states that the victim died from an unexplained illness that caused him to faint.

The victim’s father, Bal Long, 53, said his family refused to sign the autopsy report. The Adhoc complaint includes a request for 30 million riels (US$7,222) in civil compensation.

Kandal Stung district police Chief Sim Buth Bandidh said the cause of Long Chhun Leng’s death was inconclusive.

“It is the victim’s family’s right to not recognise the autopsy,” he added.

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