Two new jurists were sworn in to replace their deposed colleagues at the Municipal Court on Friday, as Justice Minister Uk Vithun hinted that more judges could be removed.
“The new judge and prosecutor will make people trust in the court,” said Uk Vithun, who presided over Friday’s ceremony. He added that he would not reveal which others could be sacked for alleged corruption but told reporters “many” could face punishment and to wait for the result from a discipline committee.
On Friday, Sor Sophary was appointed chief of the Municipal Court and Uk Savuth its chief prosecutor. The two will replace Oum Sarith and Kann Chhoeun, respectively, who were removed from their posts last week in the wake of a crackdown on alleged bribe-taking by court officials.
Sor Sophary, 57, said he is not affiliated to any political party. Formerly the chief of criminal code at the Justice Ministry, he said he graduated law school in 1960 and worked as a court clerk.
While “corruption exists everywhere,” Sor Sophary vowed to work in accordance with the law. Uk Savuth didn’t speak to reporters at the ceremony.
