Svay Rieng Provincial Court is scheduled to transfer the case against Chhouk Bandith, former Bavet town governor, to the Court of Appeal today, paving the way for a re-investigation and possible criminal charges only weeks after the lower court dropped the charge of involuntary injury for a man eyewitnesses fingered for the shooting of three garment workers during a February protest.

Ouk Savuth, prosecutor general at the Court of Appeal said once the files have been transferred “the judges will set the date for [investigation] hearing between 15 to 20 days after”.

All involved parties, including the victims, suspects and police will attend, said Savuth.  

“If they found there is enough evidence, then the suspect will be prosecuted. But if there is a lack of evidence, then the Court of Appeal can conduct its own investigation or order the lower court to further investigate.”

By law, said Savuth, Bandith would be required to attend questioning by judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers.

 

To contact the reporter on this story: Cheang Sokha at [email protected]