PHNOM Penh Municipal Court released two men on Saturday, after they were arrested for kidnapping a beer hostess and abusing her for two days at one of the men’s apartments in Russey Keo district.

The suspects – a 39-year-old brother of a tycoon and a 45-year-old military officer – were arrested Friday, a day after the victim escaped from the apartment.

Despite police confiscating condoms, methamphetamines, pornography and a marital aid as evidence that the victim was raped and forced to take drugs, one Russey Keo police official alleged that the pair paid a bribe to secure their freedom.

“The two men should have been punished for their illegal and brutal acts against the victim, but instead senior police officials conspired with court officials and accepted a bribe from the suspects,” said the official, who declined to be named.

Soam Bunny, Russey Keo district police chief, denied the allegations.

“We didn’t take bribes from the two men but referred the case to the court,” he said. “I can’t say why the court released the two men but it was for reasons different from the allegations”.

Deputy court prosecutor Chek Khemara declined to comment when contacted.