Search for TV Host Should Continue Despite Interview: Groups

Local human rights workers Mon­day urged authorities to continue investigating the disappearance of TV3 network host Suon Pheakdei following the recent publication of an interview with the missing starlet in a local magazine.

The appeal comes amid an ap­parent about face by Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Touch Naruth who said Tuesday that not only are police not investigating the dis­appearance, but that they never were.

On Nov 9, Touch Naruth told a reporter that he had ordered police to investigate the disappearance of Suon Pheakdei, better known as VJ Ano, after several local publications reported that in October she had been viciously attacked. On Nov 13, Touch Naruth reiterated that police were “working hard to find sources and are searching all over the city” for Suon Pheakdei.

On Tuesday, Touch Naruth said there was no investigation and that there was no need for one following an interview with Suon Pheakdei, which was published in Ankor Thom magazine Monday.

“VJ Ano has already said in Angkor Thom magazine that she will sue whoever spread this rumor” that she was attacked, Touch Naruth said by telephone.

Touch Naruth, however, said that he did not know the whereabouts of the missing celebrity, adding “I think you should ask Angkor Thom.”

Local rights groups Adhoc and Licadho said Tuesday that the article in Angkor Thom was not sufficient reason to not investigate VJ Ano’s disappearance.

“We still do not believe the article in Angkor Thom,” Licadho monitor Sam Ath said, adding that if VJ Ano is okay, she should let police and the media know.

“The article has no reliable evidence,” Adhoc chief investigator Chan Soveth said.

Angkor Thom magazine re­porter Him Vichet, who conducted the interview with the starlet, reiterated Tuesday that Suon Pheakdei was in good health and unharmed. He also said that she will soon appear on TV3 in coming days.

However, TV3 Program Pro­ducer Kong Socheat on Tuesday denied that VJ Ano would be appearing on the network any time soon.

“Her phone is turned off and we have tried to contact her,” Kong Socheat said, adding “her rental house is locked.”

 

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