Two 17-year-old teenagers gave their statements yesterday on how they were beaten and abused by their employers – a Phnom Penh tycoon and his wife – court officials told the Post.

The girls were allegedly beaten by tycoon Veng Lyphytech and his wife, Ly Pov, for about a decade in their Phnom Penh mansion. The couple have been charged with torture and child labor abuse.  Ly Pov fled when the allegations arose in February and is still at large.

Yesterday, the girls were questioned by the investigative judge for nearly a full day, said a clerical officer at Phnom Penh Municipal Court, who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

“They were asked about what happened with the beatings and how they were tortured by the tycoon and his wife,” he said.