Pressing for answers from Prime Minister Hun Sen over a 1997 grenade attack on peaceful protesters, a Sam Rainsy Party lawyer has asked the municipality’s chief prosecutor to summon the premier to court to testify in a lawsuit launched by the opposition.
Attorney Som Chandina on Monday rejected testimony that Hun Sen gave to Prosecutor Yet Chakriya earlier this month at the prime minister’s residence, formally requesting a court appearance.
“We cannot accept Prime Minister Hun Sen’s answers, because the prosecutor didn’t ask more details from him,” Som Chandina said.
“This time the prosecutor should summon the prime minister to answer at the court, instead of the prosecutor taking the court to him,” he said.
Without issuing a court summons, Yet Chakriya visited Hun Sen Aug 19 to record the prime minister’s defense in a lawsuit alleging that he masterminded the attack, which killed at least 16 and injured more than 120 participants at a rally led by Sam Rainsy.
Hun Sen has repeatedly denied involvement in the attack.
Hun Sen’s adviser Om Yentieng said Monday the premier would appear in the Municipal Court if he is summoned, but added that Hun Sen’s initial testimony should be sufficient. He also criticized the opposition party for “always interfering with the court.”
Prosecutor Yet Chakriya could not be reached for comment Monday.
