The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has invited the patriarch of a family locked in a land dispute with real estate tycoon Khun Sear to “clarify” his complaint against four officials he claims conspired to sell his home in Boeng Kak I commune without his consent, a court official said Monday.
Ly Sreang Kheng, 59, and his daughter, Ly Searminh, 24, who remains in prison, are facing charges of using violence against a property owner in relation to the dispute. Mr. Sreang Kheng said his complaint concerns former Phnom Penh governor Kep Chuktema and the district and commune chiefs he blames for selling his land.
“They conspired to sell my land without telling us,” he said.
Mr. Chuktema, asked Monday about his involvement in the case, dodged the question.
“Now the freedom of our country is unlimited; [people can] file a complaint about whoever,” he said.
Boeng Kak I commune chief Vith Darith, who is named in the complaint, said he “does not have right to sell” the land in question. Deputy prosecutor Meas Chanpiseth said the officials would be invited to the court after the plaintiff appears.
