Spouse of ‘fake’ soldier files appeal

via CAAI

Tuesday, 15 February 2011 15:02 Tep Nimol

The wife of a man who was arrested and detained for recruiting a private army in Ratanakkiri province has issued a complaint to Adhoc, asking for them to intervene on his behalf.

Chhay Thy, provincial coordinator for Adhoc, said the suspect, Hous Chet, was arrested and charged with wearing an illegal soldier’s uniform and recruiting soldiers in Koun Mom district’s Sre Angkrong commune.

Two other men, claiming to be nephews of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife Bun Rany, were charged with illegally recruiting soldiers in an effort to mitigate ongoing border problems with Thailand.

“The brokers lobbied the villagers to recruit soldiers for protecting the border, which has disputes with Thailand,” Chhay Thy said yesterday.

Keo Maly, the wife of Hous Chet, claims that the two other suspects forced her husband to drink alcohol and wear a soldier’s outfit, leading to his arrest.

“My husband is the victim, not a broker, and I ask the court to release my husband,” she said.

Mam Vanada, Ratanakkiri deputy provincial prosecutor, said the suspects were being detained in provincial prison pending further investigations, and could face a year in prison if they are found guilty.