The trial of nine villagers from Chi Kraeng commune is scheduled to resume at Siem Reap Provincial Court on Monday August 2 at 8:00am. The accused villagers are charged with attempted intentional manslaughter under Article 4 of the Law on aggravating circumstances of felonies. The charges arose after a dispute between villagers from Chi Kraeng and police, stemming from a long-running land dispute between villagers in Chi Kraeng and neighbouring Anlong Samnon commune. On March 22, 2009, military police opened fire on villagers from Chi Kraeng with AK-47 assault rifles, wounding four. Nine of the villagers were subsequently arrested and charged with attempted voluntary manslaughter after military police alleged that the villagers threatened them with machetes. The villagers were refused bail and have remained in pre-trial detention awaiting a hearing since March 2009.
On July 27, 2010 the trial commenced with a strong security presence. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom after the court initially stated that the proceedings were closed to the public. The court later back-tracked stating that proceedings would be conducted publicly but noting that court officials could not allow many people to enter the courtroom due to its small size. After interrogation of the accused by the prosecutor and judges, the hearing was adjourned at 11:45am due to the complexity of the case and the requirement to hear a number of witnesses.
A trial monitor from the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, Mr. Vann Sophath, contactable at 012 941 206, will attend the hearing on Monday to monitor the continuation of proceedings.
Thank you and Kind Regards
CCHR
On July 27, 2010 the trial commenced with a strong security presence. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom after the court initially stated that the proceedings were closed to the public. The court later back-tracked stating that proceedings would be conducted publicly but noting that court officials could not allow many people to enter the courtroom due to its small size. After interrogation of the accused by the prosecutor and judges, the hearing was adjourned at 11:45am due to the complexity of the case and the requirement to hear a number of witnesses.
A trial monitor from the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, Mr. Vann Sophath, contactable at 012 941 206, will attend the hearing on Monday to monitor the continuation of proceedings.
Thank you and Kind Regards
CCHR
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