The father of three youths allegedly beaten by DM Group workers earlier this month said court officers yesterday threatened to imprison him if he did not agree to compromise with the company and drop the case.

Ry Sarun appeared at Ratanakkiri Provincial Court yesterday to answer questions about his claims that DM Group employees attacked his three children while they were attempting to stop them clearing the family’s land.

But when he and his daughter arrived, judge Eng Chamnag and another officer told them they must accept less compensation than the $40,000 they were demanding, Sarun said, adding that he was considering acquiescing.

Chhay Thy, provincial coordinator for rights group ADHOC, said the court also had accused Sarun’s 14-year-old son, sent to Vietnam for treatment of serious head injuries, of injuring one of the DM Group workers.  

“This is a new method  to make the victim afraid,” he said.

“My son’s head is still swollen and the doctor said that he has to drain the blood out three more times. I do not know what to do, because now I am broke,” Sarun said.

Judge Eng Chamnag could not be reached.