The mother of acid attack victim Tat Marina has lashed out at her daughters former

lover, Undersecretary of State at the Council of Ministers Svay Sitha, saying he

coerced her into the relationship and threatened her when she tried to break the

relationship off.

She reportedly told Radio Free Asia that Sitha had told Marina that if she left him

he would have her physically harmed.

Marina was doused in acid on December 5, allegedly by Sitha's wife in a fit of jealousy.

Marina is currently in the United States undergoing plastic surgery to her face and

torso. Marina's mother also said that Sitha had approached the family asking them

not to press charges against his wife.