Former deputy governor of Banteay Meanchey province Tour Theantoeu was released on bail on Monday, a week after being handed a year’s prison sentence for a fraud perpetrated in 2004.

Spokesman for Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court Phann Vanroth confirmed Theantoeu’s release yesterday, reportedly to attend a wedding. Vanroth said Theantoeu has a right to appeal the verdict, in which case he may also apply for bail.

Legal expert Sok Sam Oeun said Vanroth was within his rights. “In practice, no one gets bail after being convicted. But it’s not illegal, it’s just a rare case which almost never happens in Cambodia,” he said.

According to Vanroth, the plaintiff, who he declined to name, has demanded 270,000 Thai baht (about $7,500) in compensation, which will be held by the court as bail until a final verdict is reached.

The chief of Theantoeu’s home commune confirmed that his daughter is due to get married soon.