New List Designates Judges to Provincial Posts

The Supreme Council of Magis­tracy has approved a list of judges and prosecutors that will be moved in eight provincial and municipal courthouses, officials said Thursday.

Council member and Kandal Pro­vincial Court Director Khiev Sam­eth said that the eight-member Council had already approved the moves Wednesday and that King Noro­dom Sihamoni will confirm the changes in a royal decree next week.

Khiev Sameth said that there was nothing unusual about the job moves, adding that judges and prosecutors change courts every four years.

“The objective is that we don’t want judges and prosecutors to have friends and connections in the provinces after four years, as their decisions could be unjust,” he said.

You Bunleng, who is also a member of the Council, said that Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prosecutor Ouk Savouth will move to the Appeal Court as a deputy prosecutor-general. Ouk Savouth will be replaced by Yet Chakriya, a deputy prosecutor with the Khmer Rouge tribunal and the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court, he said.

Ouk Savouth said by telephone that he had asked for the transfer, saying that having worked at the municipal court since 2000, it was time to move on.

Khiev Sameth said that Preah Sihanouk (formerly Sihanoukville municipality) Provincial Court Director Svay Sisarouth and Pro­secutor Meas Sopheak will be re­placed by Supreme Court Judge Sin Din and Siem Reap Provincial Court Prosecutor Bou Bun Hang respectively.

Svay Sisarouth will be given a position in the Justice Ministry, while Meas Sopheak will be transferred to prosecutor of the Takeo Provincial Court, Khiev Sameth said.

Judge You Bunna, son of Appeal Court President and Khmer Rouge tribunal co-Investigating Judge You Bunleng, and Judge Sen Sakkola will move from Kandal Provincial Court to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Khiev Sameth said.

You Bunna and Sen Sakkola have only served for three years in Kandal, but were moved early to make up for shortages at the Phnom Penh court, he added.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Nhean Sovann will move to Kompong Cham, while two other judges, Kim Ravy and Sao Meach will be transferred to Kandal, Khiev Sameth said.