Torture claims

A pailin man has been charged with torturing his 11-year-old nephew after he allegedly beat the boy with clothing hangers, electric wire and pliers on a regular basis.

Police arrested the 32-year-old suspect on Thursday and charged him with intentional torture in Pailin provincial court on Saturday, prosecutor Roth Sen Sathea said. The alleged abuse came to the attention of authorities when a neighbour alerted commune police, said Pailin Deputy Police Chief Y Heoun.

The boy moved to his uncle’s home several months ago from Pursat province, and the suspect allegedly said he beat his nephew in an effort to instil discipline

Police brought the boy to hospital to evaluate and treat his injuries. The provincial women’s affairs department agreed to place the boy in a home to avoid further abuse.

Intentional torture carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to 10 million riel ($2,500).