One of the teachers questioned by the Anti-Corruption Unit over “irregularities” during last month’s high-stakes Grade-12 national exam yesterday said she had been told to “get ready” for a court date.

Chaing Changhourt, who teaches at Phnom Penh’s Hun Sen Bun Rany Phsar Doeum Thkov High School, was one of two teachers and two Ministry of Education officials questioned on Monday.

“I’m innocent,” said Changhourt, who was questioned for two hours. “The ACU told me to get myself ready when the court calls . . . They have asked me to prepare evidence to defend myself.”

However, Changhourt is not entirely clear as to what allegations would be forwarded to court. Although the ACU claimed she had been “physically hitting ACU staff”, Changhourt maintained that an ACU staff member was taking pictures of students during the exam, and she asked the individual to stop because it would “disrupt” the students.

The confrontation had led to an argument, she said.

ACU President Om Yentieng could not be reached yesterday, but would not say on Monday what further action, if any, the unit will take against those who were questioned.

Ouk Chayavy, acting president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers’ Association – which Changhourt consulted before appearing at the ACU – said she didn’t believe Changhourt’s case would be criminal.