Former Victims Sued for Defamation in Land Conflict

Four local villagers living in Chi Kreng district, Siem Reap province that were shot and seriously assaulted by police on March 22, 2009, were sued for defamation and summoned to be present at Siem Reap provincial court on August 25, 2009.

Luan Mein, 29; Luan Ven, 46; Tuy Khom, 33; and Ma Seik, 29 were filed for defamation; however, in the warrant did not specify whom the men were accused of defaming. In addition the 4 men were shot and assaulted seriously injured in the inhuman violence by police. The authority has not found the perpetrators, in stead they became the victims of defaming unspecified person.

Before the lawsuit, on May 18, 2009 the men had lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Justice against 11 provincial officials, including Mr. Um Mara, the Deputy Governor of Siem Reap and Ty Sovanthal, chief prosecutor of Siem Reap provincial court.