A trio of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces officers remain free over nine months after Siem Reap provincial court charged them with illegally discharging a weapon and harassing three Forestry Administration officials, and issued a warrant for their arrest.

Kouy Thunna, defence lawyer for forestry officials who filed complaints against the RCAF officers in January, said yesterday that he had submitted letters to Defence Minister Tea Banh and RCAF Commander-in-Chief Pol Saroeun requesting that the warrant be implemented.

“In order to implement the laws, ensure the principles of justice and equality in our society, as well as maintain the RCAF’s prestige and honour, I would like ... the arrest of the accused military officers,” he said.

In October last year, forestry officials pulled over a car in Siem Reap province that was transporting illegally logged timber. After the driver fled, forestry official Thong Sokhay confiscated the car while two other officials followed in a separate vehicle.

Thong Sokhay claimed that RCAF officers Rom Sa Eam, Roeung Sarin and Chhum Chenda pulled in front of the car and opened fire because they had hired the driver to transport the timber for them.

Provincial court Judge Ith Samphors said the arrest warrants were issued in March.