A Man Tortured for Answer by Police in Banteay Meanchey

A case of torture took place on January 23, 2010 in Poipet Police Custody by 4 police officers on a suspect in relation to a burglary in Poipet town, Banteay Meanchey province.

The victim was Chan Ek, 24, from Poipet commue, Poipet town, Batteay Meanchey was seriously hit on head with short-gun, kicked and banged on the brick wall unconscious and sent to local private hospital for emergency aid. Those four policemen, who were accused of committing this violence, included Soam Dara, Ul Chantha, Um Samphois, and the other policeman, whose name was not known.

According to Mr. Sum Chankea, a provincial Adhoc coordinator, who received a complaint from the victim’s family and investigated the case, on Januray 23 Chan Ek, alia Chet, was drinking juice when he knew one of his friends, named Chun Rithy, was arrested for a burgalary a day before. He went to the police office in order to make sure that his friend had not been involved with the case. After reporting, he was handcuffed as he asked the policemen for the reason on behalf of a witness. Only when he finished his words did the police officers hit and kick him unconscious.

Mr. Sum Chankea added that Poipet Police were accused of frequently using torture on the suspects even though they had not breached any law. It has become their habit to do that. For instance the case of the victim’s friend, Chun Rithy, according to his investigation, had not been involved with the burglary at all. This was what the police wanted to extort money from the victim.

At the moment, the case is under the investigation by Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court.

It has been seen that the above case seriously violates the Cambodian Constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights; especially the Convention against Torture and other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.