The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has summonsed a commune chief for questioning after he allegedly assaulted and hospitalised a teenage security guard and went into hiding.

Ey Rin, an administrative chief at the court, yesterday said a summons had been issued for Hor Hourt, chief of Prek Pra commune, to appear for questioning on November 22.

Hourt has eluded police since the alleged attack where he slapped the victim, Meas Domdey, 19, across the ear, causing him to fall and hit his head on a rock structure near his security guard post. Domdey was rushed to hospital after he began suffering seizures and had difficulty breathing.

Dr Ang Eng Sopheap, deputy chief at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital’s traumatology and neurosurgery unit, yesterday said Meas stayed three days at the hospital but was sent to Vietnam for further treatment as his condition deteriorated.

Meas’ mother, Eurng Sokha, 55, from Svay Reing, said the accident had changed her son. “His voice is changing because it is difficult to speak, and his left hand is still hurting. He becomes very angry easily; he is unlike before,” she said.

“We just want justice and compensation. Before, he supported the family, but now he cannot work, so it is really hard for us.”

Chbar Ampov district deputy police chief Moa Seurn said Hourt had not been located since the assault complaint was lodged.