Magic healer

The trial of a 60 year-old “magic teacher” on charges of purchasing child prostitution and committing indecent acts against minors concluded in Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday.

Presiding Judge Suos Sam Ath said Lim Chanthan, 60, a magic healer and teacher of the Three Vedas, an ancient Hindu form of magic, was arrested last year in Phnom Penh’s Russei Keo district.

The popular fortune teller was accused of purchasing child prostitution and committing indecent acts against eight under-age girls between 2008 and 2010.

He was charged on the testimonies of eight minors aged between 7 and 13, who said they had been lured by Lim Chanthan to his home, where he had sex with them, Suos Sam Ath said.

“Through today’s long hearing, and based on the testimonies of the victims, witnesses and conclusions of the participating prosecutor and the suspect’s lawyers, the court will issue the verdict of Lim Chanthan on March 24, 2011.”