A Kampong Speu man who allegedly repeatedly raped his 11-year-old niece was questioned by provincial police yesterday.

Seoun Ra, 31, was arrested in Phnom Sruoch district’s Chambak commune on Wednesday after the victim’s mother reported him to local police, according to deputy commune police chief Pok Sarith.

Ra confessed to the crime under questioning, but denied the account given by the alleged victim, who had told police Ra had promised to “run away with me to another place so that my stepfather will not be able to beat me because I can’t sell any flowers”.

Sarith added that Ra had abused the girl 16 times since the end of 2015.

The suspect was moved to the provincial police station for further questioning. Deputy police chief Sorm Bora said he will be transferred to court this morning on a charge of raping a juvenile with aggravating factors.