King Norodom Sihamoni has issued a royal decree ordering the appointment of 18 judges across the three newly established regional Appeal Courts.
Of the number, a set of six appeal court judges have each been appointed to Tbong Khmum, Battambang and Preah Sihanouk provinces.
The royal decree, signed by the King on March 19, ordered the appointment of Ty Samnang, a first-grade judge, and Riel Sophin, a first-grade prosecutor along with four Grade 3-4 judges as Tbong Khmum appeal court judges.
Grade 3 judges Y Kheang and Mong Mony Sophea, along with four Grade 3-4 judges and Grade 2-4 prosecutors were appointed as Battambang appeal court judges .
Suon Samnang, a Grade 5 Supreme Court judge and Yab Meta, a Grade 6 Supreme Court judge, along with four Grade 1, 3 and 4 judges and Grade 4 prosecutors were appointed as Preah Sihanouk appeal court judges.
On August 17, last year, the King issued a royal decree founding the Phnom Penh municipal, Tbong Khmum, Battambang and Preah Sihanouk provincial appeal courts.
On February 20, this year, he issued a royal decree ordering the appointment of the Grade 1 supreme court judge Mong Mony Chakrya as Tbong Khmum appeal court president and prosecutor Veng Bunthoeun as Tbong Khmum appeal court deputy president.
Judge Sam Bunthon was appointed Battambang appeal court president and Judge Thou Mony as Battambang appeal court deputy president.
Judge Pak Chan Sambo was appointed Preah Sihanouk appeal court deputy president. The position of president remains vacant.
In his decree, the King also ordered the appointment of 12 prosecutor-generals, deputy prosecutor-generals and prosecutors for the regional appeal courts.
He also ordered 32 vice-presidents and judges and 15 prosecutors and deputy prosecutors to be transferred and appointed to the lower courts, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court and as provincial prosecutors across the country.
Ministry of Justice spokesman Chin Malin told The Post on February 23 that the three regional appeal courts would begin operations from April 1.
“Officials are appointed based on qualifications, experience, capacity and relevant educational background to ensure they are tailored to their roles and duties.
“The Supreme Council of Magistracy has decided on all appointments after lengthy discussions regarding the candidate’s reputation and capacity,” he said.
He said the founding of the appeal courts was to improve public accessibility.
