Bogged down in a dispute over the leadership of the Cambodian Bar Association, supporters of elected president Suon Visal have written to Prime Minister Hun Sen urging him to intervene.
In a letter dated July 4, 12 of the association’s 19 council members provided extensive details of the case, adding that Ky Tech, who lost the Oct 16 election to lead the association, should not be allowed to maintain his right to the presidency.
“We would like Samdech Hun Sen to give recommendations and intervene so that the dispute can come to an end,” Som Chandina, who signed the letter, said Monday. He added that the dispute has dragged on for months.
On Wednesday the group wrote to Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vathana, asking him to dismiss the charge of stationery forgery made on June 30 against Suon Visal by Ouk Savouth, chief prosecutor at Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Ouk Savouth was not qualified to make such a decision to resolve the association’s internal dispute, the council members said in their letter.
Ouk Savouth did not answer repeated calls Monday.
Ang Vong Vathana said Monday that he has not received the letter.
Ky Tech declined comment, saying he did not believe he would get balanced coverage.
On Oct 17, one day after Suon Visal defeated Ky Tech, Ky Tech challenged the election result. In a closed-door hearing on Nov 19 the Appeals Court dismissed the election results and handed the presidency back to Ky Tech without explanation.
Suon Visal appealed the decision, and the Supreme Court on June 2 nullified the Appeals Court’s decision.
On June 17, Ky Tech filed a complaint against Suon Visal, accusing him of illegally putting his name on the association’s letterhead.
On July 1, Suon Visal said he was preparing to leave the country and feared for his safety after receiving the forgery charges.
Suon Visal could not be reached for comment Monday, but Som Chandina said he remains in Phnom Penh.
