Questioning of two Russians charged over violence off the coast of Sihanoukville in late December was unproductive last week after they arrived two hours late and made a series of demands that the judge refused to grant, their court translator said yesterday.

Alexander Karachinsky and Konstantin Baglay, both 25, who with Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky, 40, have been charged with intentional violence and illegal detention, appeared in court on January 29.

“During the interrogation, they arrived at the court two hours late — because they were changing their clothes,” Tel Samuth, their translator said. “When they arrived, the men demanded to have an embassy consular official join them and a Russian interpreter.”

Those demands were rejected by the investigating judge, Sar Lina, in accordance with the law, Samuth said.

“I now have to look for another interpreter who can speak Russian proficiently as well as English.”

Russian media have reported that the search for new personnel will delay the hearing until February 6. 

To contact the reporter on this story: Cheang Sokha at [email protected]