The National Military Police announced it had disciplined Battambang provincial military police commander Brigadier General Meas Sovann and four of his subordinates for misconduct when carrying out their duties.
National Military Police chief Sao Sokha said on December 6 that Sovann and four of his subordinates had committed irregularities when executing their duties.
The four are the deputy Military Police chief of Battambang province Sam Bunthoeun, Samlot district Military Police chief Chuob No, Samlot district deputy Military Police chief Chhoeun Sophat and his assistant Nob Samoeun.
Sovann and his four subordinates are required to sign a contracts pledging to correct their actions and strengthen the capability of the Military Police to reflect the role of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and other executive officers as prescribed in the Law on General Status of Military Personnel of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and the General Regulation for RCAF.
The decision was announced on Tuesday at Battambang Provincial Military Police Headquarters so that the rank and file would be made aware regarding the disciplinary action.
However, observers on social media criticised the disciplinary action, alleging that the infractions stemmed from a conflict of interest during a crackdown on a natural resources crime in Samlot district in May.
In response to the criticism, National Military Police spokesman Eng Hy said in a press release: “Free expression is a fundamental right and freedom but the code of ethics must also be respected.
“The exercise of individuals’ rights and freedoms must not affect the rights, freedom, honour and reputation of others. It must follow the law.
“We cannot accept comments designed to slander, defame, smear and incite internal division in the Military Police. However, we welcome constructive criticism.”
On Saturday, a senior Military Police official from Battambang province told The Post under the condition of anonymity that Sovann’s subordinate officials were afraid to remove him from his post or change their positions.
“The disciplinary punishment is not serious but it provides justice for some subordinate officers who were victimised by his [Meas Sovann’s] deviancy,” the official said.
Sovann could not be reached for comment before press time.
