The Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Monday tried 27-year-old Seng Srey Tin for the December death of her 6-year-old stepson, Sarey Virak Bot, who died from organ failure after being beaten while in her care.
The suspect, who is charged with aggravated intentional violence, denied the allegations Monday.
Under questioning by Presiding Judge Chea Sok Heang, she claimed she had confessed to police only to save her husband, Horn Saray, whom she accused of beating the child.
“I confessed so that my husband would not be charged and would have time to look after our son,” she said.
“He also promised me that if I was imprisoned, he would not let me be in prison for a long time and he would bring my son to see me every week.”
However, she said that since she was imprisoned, her husband had not visited. Deputy prosecutor Hoeng Bunthorn accused her of torture.
“You tortured until the child fell ill. Think about your strength and the child’s strength,” he said.
“If the lady prison guard hit you on the stomach, you would feel hurt, so what about the child?”
A verdict is due May 22.
