The Supreme Court yesterday heard a request from former Pursat provincial pro-secutor Top Chan Sereyvuth to be released on bail because of poor health pending a decision on his appeal.

Top Chan Sereyvuth was sentenced last month to 19 years in prison and fined four million riel (US$975) after being found guilty of corruption, extortion and false imprisonment.

Sem Chenda, a lawyer for Top Chan Sereyvuth, said during yesterday’s hearing that his client should be released because health services were insufficient to address his medical conditions, which included diabetes, poor circulation in his knees and high blood pressure.

“No law states that release on bail is not allowed,” Sem Chenda said.

He told the court his client would post bail of $5,000 and a plot of land valued at $10,000.

In a letter read during yesterday’s hearing, Top Chan Sereyvuth appealed to the court for his release.

“My sicknesses are getting worse every day,” he wrote.

“Releasing me on bail is in order to bring my health back to normal in order to attend the [appeal] hearing.”

Prosecutor Chan Dararak-smey opposed the request for bail.

Judge Khim Punn said he would release a decision on the issue on July 13.