Three members of the family of murdered journalist Hang Seri Oudom will appear in Ratanakkiri provincial court on Wednesday, according to their lawyer.

Oudom, who exposed illegal logging in the area for the Virakchun Khmer newspaper, disappeared last month when he left his house at night to meet an acquaintance.

His bludgeoned body was discovered days later, on September 11, in the back of a car.

Less than a week elapsed before police brought in several people for questioning.

Though they have repeatedly said that more assailants could be involved, authorities ultimately charged a provincial military police officer, An Bunheng, and his wife, Sim Vy, with premeditated murder.

Oudom’s mother, Keov Sovan, his widow, Im Chanthy, and a 15-year-old daughter were summonsed by investigating Judge Luch Lao to answer questions about the case.

Lawyer Hok Phallan was also called to attend the hearing. The family has also filed a separate complaint, demanding $10,000 in compensation for their loss.

Chanthy, who is pregnant, told the Post yesterday that she will seek justice for her husband. She said she plans to tell the court about an incident involving the son of a local military commander whose car hit her husband’s on the way to Phnom Penh before the last Khmer New Year.

Oudom wrote about the son in his last article.

“I will testify about everything that happened to my husband, so the court can seek fairness for my husband, because my baby will never have someone to call father,” she said.

Tep Monicheat, defending, said his clients would be present for the hearing and would answer questions.

To contact the reporter on this story: Chhay Channyda at [email protected]