Ny Chakrya defamation case to start next week

Ny Chakrya arrives at the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh last month for a bail hearing. Heng Chivoan

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court will begin hearing a defamation case against election official and former Adhoc staffer Ny Chakrya on Monday after he allegedly accused Siem Reap court officials of mishandling a land rights case in the province.

In July of last year, Chakrya, at the time head of Adhoc’s human rights section, condemned the arrest of two residents of Siem Reap province’s Svay Leu district involved in a high-profile land dispute.

He also accused deputy prosecutor Sok Keo Bandit and Siem Reap Provincial Court investigating judge Ki Rithy of colluding to commit corruption.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman Ly Sophanna said the trial would go ahead but it was uncertain whether Chakrya would appear in court.

“We will know on day of the trial,” he said. The complainant, Keo Bandit, refused to comment on the case yesterday and directed questions to his attorney, who could not be reached.

Chakrya is currently in pre-trial detention after being arrested on charges of bribing a witness in a case related to acting CNRP president Kem Sokha’s alleged sex scandal.

Contact author: Lay Samean

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