Seven lawyers representing opposition Sam Rainsy Party lawyer Choung Choungy have requested Kandal provincial court delay the questioning of their client because he is in the middle of a one-month meditation, lawyers said yesterday.

Choung Choungy was summonsed to appear in court yesterday for questioning over allegations he aided and abetted a prisoner’s escape from detention, but lawyers have been unable to confer with their client, Cambodian Bar Association spokesman Yim Sary told the Post yesterday.

“The reason we have asked for the postponement is because Choung Choungy is busy practicing the precepts of religion, so he cannot attend the court for questioning,” Yim Sary said.

On January 6, Choung Choungy shaved his head and donned white monk’s robes, embarking on a one-month meditation in protest over what he viewed as deficiencies in the justice system.

Investigating judge Sin Virak agreed to the lawyers’ request for postponement, but did not comment on when Choung Choungy would next be summonsed.

Choung Choungy could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Ket Khy, the lawyer of Choung Choungy’s co-accused, SRP parliamentarian Chan Cheng, also requested a postponement in the questioning of his client, who was due to appear in court today.

“I asked for postponement because [Chan Cheng] is not in the country,” Ket Khy said.  

Judge Sin Virak told the Post yesterday he had not yet decided whether he would agree to this request.