The Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday sentenced a security guard from the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital to two years imprisonment for intentional violence, but suspended the majority of the prison term.
Koeut Phally, 40, was arrested at the hospital on July 20 after she used her walkie-talkie to hit Leng Vannsothea, 32, a reporter with Hang Meas TV and Nokor Thom News. The reporter was allegedly attempting to take photos of a dead body.
“Koeut Phally, 40, is charged with intentional violence and imprisoned [for] two years but will only serve three months because the rest is suspended,” said Judge Nou Veasna, adding that Ms. Phally will be credited with time served since July 20.
Ms. Phally told the court during her trial that she warned the reporter to stop taking pictures but he did not listen, so she grabbed his iPhone.
Ms. Phally said that the reporter then kicked her, so she struck back, hitting him on the head with her walkie-talkie.
Ms. Phally added that she has compensated the victim, but the amount paid was not revealed.
