A group of attorneys representing jailed CNRP district councilor Soum Vuthy submitted a request for bail with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court Friday, noting that 11 other CNRP officials being charged along with Mr. Vuthy have been set free as they await a yet unscheduled trial.
On Monday morning, Mr. Vuthy, a Chbar Ampov district councilor, was arrested by police while driving on his motorbike, according to Sam Sokong, one of his three lawyers.
Mr. Sokong said the court charged his client with participating in an insurrection, opposing public officials and aggravated intentional violence for his alleged role in an opposition demonstration on July 15 that turned violent when protesters viciously hit back at uniformed security guards sent in to break up the protest with clubs.
“We submitted a request asking for his release on bail because he is charged with violence in the brawl on July 15, in which other CNRP officials and youth activists were charged, imprisoned and are out on bail,” Mr. Sokong said. Seven lawmakers are among the group of CNRP officials still facing charges that carry up to 30 years in prison.
