Mr. Chhouk Bandit hearing to second days, with no presence suspects

Written by Noun Borin Thursday, 13 June 2013 16:02

Svay Rieng Court (Photo Tat Oudom)

Svay Rieng Court opened the hearing for the second day on Thursday without the presence of suspect Mr. Chhouk Bandit, accused of firing at factory workers protesting conditions in Bavet.

Former Governor of Bavet, Mr. Chhouk Bandit, was due to appear at Appeal Court for the provincial court re-trial hearing. The trial was regarding the events that occurred when 3 factory workers were injured when the suspect allegedly opened fire on the crowd on 20 February, 2012.

Voice of Democracy’s, Mr. Nhim​​ Sokhon reports Svay Rieng provincial court stated that the trial began as planned, but Chhouk Bandit once again did not appear for the hearing yesterday.

The Minister of Interior Ministry, Mr. Sor Kheng, has told the media that the person responsible for the factory shootings is Mr. Chhouk Bandit. In spite of this, Svay Rieng Provincial Court had dropped the charges against Chhouk Bandit late in 2012. The General Prosecutor at the appeal court, Mr. Ouk Savuth, criticized this decision and a re-trial was set.