Appeals Court Prosecutor Svay Samnang said Tuesday it will be at least two months until a decision is made as to whether the two suspects in the killing of union leader Chea Vichea should go to trial or be released.
On Friday, Phnom Penh Municipal Court Investigating Judge Hing Thirith dismissed the charges against Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun, deciding that there was insufficient evidence.
But Khut Sokheng, a Municipal Court deputy prosecutor, appealed Hing Thirith’s decision on Monday.
Yun Bun Leng, an Appeals Court judge, said that appeals in cases where suspects have been released on bail usually are decided in about 15 days, but the fate of the two jailed suspects will depend on the orders of Appeals Court chief Ly Vuch Leng.
Svay Samnang said it could take longer for court officials to re-examine the case against the two suspects and further investigation into Chea Vichea’s Jan 22 shooting death may be called for.
Chea Dara, lawyer for suspect Sok Sam Oeun, said, “The first confession of the suspect [Born Samnang] given to police does not match the second confession…given to the court, and there is insufficient evidence to prove the suspects were involved in Chea Vichea’s assassination.”
The attorney said the innocence of Born Samnang would clear his client, as police had said that a confession of guilt by Born Samnang led to the arrest of Sok Sam Oeun. “But we have some alibis for Sok Sam Oeun to prove that he was not involved in the killing,” the attorney added.
Sok Sam Oeun has maintained his innocence.
Prosecutor Khut Sokheng declined to say Tuesday why he appealed the judge’s ruling.
Nevertheless Born Samnang’s mother, Noun Kimsrei, said Tuesday she was pleased the investigating judge dismissed the case. “I am very happy. I hope my son is released as soon as possible,” she said.
Noun Kimsrei said she visits her son twice a week and his health is fine.
