Domestic violence

Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday heard the case of an August 2012 acid attack, a rarity for a crime that hardly ever makes its way before a judge.

The suspect, Bin Soeun, is charged with domestic violence for allegedly splashing battery acid on his estranged girlfriend’s face on August 5 in Chamkarmon district’s Tumnop Teuk commune.

Judge Suos Sam Ath said Souen was motivated by jealousy after he discovered that his former live-in girlfriend, Nhem Sreyda, 32, was planning on getting married to another man.  

Sreyda told the court that she was playing cards at her friend’s home when Soeun called and asked, “When will you invite me to your wedding party?” She replied: “I will invite you when I get married.”

When she left the house, Sreyda said Souen was waiting. After a short chase, she said he caught up with her and threw acid at her. He fled, but police arrested him on August 6, after Sreyda persuaded him to come back and help her with treatment.

Soeun said in court that he committed the attack, but insisted it wasn’t premeditated.

“I have four children and please, court, show leniency so I can take care of my children,” he said.