Four Phnom Penh Municipal Court judges have been removed from their positions and will be moved to provincial courts after a Monday meeting of the Supreme Council of Magistracy, Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana said Wednesday.
“The four have been removed, but their new assignments have not been made,” said Ang Vong Vathana who identified the judges as Tan Senarong, Boninh Bunary, Kim Sophorn and Nup Sophon, who is also deputy director of the municipal court.
Tan Senarong and Boninh Bunary said they had not received official notification of their removals.
“The Supreme Council decided to change where I work,” Tan Senarong said. “But I haven’t received a notification.”
The council also voted in favor of Supreme Court Judge Khim Ponn replacing Sor Suphary as head of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Ang Vong Vathana said.
The justice minister also confirmed that Supreme Court Director Dith Munty and judge Real Muon were cleared to continue their jobs in separate royal decrees signed by King Norodom Sihamoni on Sept 11, the same day that 15 other judges and prosecutors were also cleared to work despite being over 60 years old.
Supreme Court judges Khim Ponn, Sim Dim and Yus Sakheoun were on a list of 31 judges across the country slated for retirement because they were over 60. Like Appeals Court Prosecutor-General Hanrot Raken and Deputy-Director Ty Neng, they were allowed to work past the age limit. About 10 provincial and municipal court officials were also allowed to work beyond the official retirement age.
“The continuation could be extended for up to two years,” Huot Hy, Kompong Thom provincial chief prosecutor, said. “Some judges and prosecutors might work until 67.”
