Sam Rainsy Party lawyer Choung Choungy, already facing charges of abetting a prison escape, now stands accused by the Cambodian Bar Association of contravening his professional code of ethics by criticising the justice system, the association’s president said yesterday.

The association will issue a letter to the lawyer asking him to appear before its council to explain his actions.

Choung Choungy’s “meditation for justice” campaign —  a response to the charges against him and SRP parliamentarian Chen Chang — has included shaving his head, dressing  as a monk and displaying slogans aimed at the Justice Ministry and the Bar Association.

Bar Association president Chiv Songhak said Choung Choungy had contravened the professional and ethical code for lawyers.

“The bar association council has already decided to take action against [Choung Choungy], accusing him of acting contrary to article 15 of the code of ethics for lawyers,” he said.

The council will send a letter to Choung Choungy today informing him of the accusation and he will then have 15 days to appear before the association’s council to defend his actions, Chiv Songhak said, adding that the lawyer could be banned from practising for up to four years if found guilty.