Unions and NGOs criticized Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s authorities for selling a former district governor convicted of taking pictures three feminine garment staff a decade in the past to a senior place within the Inside Ministry.
A decree dated March 18 selling Chhouk Bandith, the previous governor of Bavet metropolis in Svay Rieng province, to the senior ranks of presidency was launched publicly on Thursday. The decree didn’t state his new place.
Chhouk Bandith was sentenced to 18 months in jail and ordered to pay 38 million riel (U.S. $9,500) in compensation to the victims, who had been protesting poor manufacturing facility situations in February 2012 once they have been wounded within the taking pictures.
Rong Chhun, president of the impartial Cambodian Confederation of Unions, stated Chhouk Bandith’s promotion would possibly encourage others to make use of violence to quell criticism.
“This can be a dangerous instance for our society as a result of Chhouk Bandith dedicated many dangerous acts,” he advised RFA. “We don’t wish to see this promotion occur in Cambodia.”
Ny Sokha, president of the Cambodian Human Rights and Improvement Affiliation, an NGO, additionally urged the ministry to rethink.
“Senior officers should set a very good instance for youthful generations,” he stated. “Will this promotion of a former convict be a very good instance?”
Chhouk Bandith remained at giant for a time after his conviction, prompting rights teams to take a position that he was below the safety of high officers. In November 2013, an appeals courtroom upheld his 18-month jail sentence and the restitution to the garment staff, based on an earlier RFA report.
He later turned himself in after Hun Sen ordered his seize, served time in jail, and was launched in 2015.
RFA couldn’t attain authorities spokesman Phay Siphan on Friday for touch upon the ex-governor’s new position within the ministry.
Translated by Samean Yun for RFA Khmer. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
