The deputy police chief of Bavet commune in Svay Rieng province’s Chantrea district is accused of stripping two men naked and beating them, according to a complaint filed with rights group Licadho.

Ek Sareoun, 49, one of the two alleged victims’ father, who filed the complaint, yesterday said that his son was trying to break up a fight between his friend and a group of other people, when police arrested the two of them, and brought them to deputy police chief Sek Sotheanoseth for questioning.

“My son went to stop his friend from fighting another group, and about a half hour later the Bavet commune police arrived and arrested my son and his friend and took them to their office,” Sareoun said.

“They were beaten and also forced to take off all their clothes.”

Sotheanoseth, however, denies the allegations.

In addition to the complaint with Licadho, Sareoun is also filing a court complaint, and demanding 5 million riel (about $1,250).

Licadho investigator Mom Lida yesterday said the group will review the complaint further.