Cambodian ex-governor jailed for shooting
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A former governor of a Cambodian town who shot and injured three factory workers in February last year was jailed for one year and six months yesterday.
Svay Rieng provincial court convicted Chhouk Bandith, who fired shots into a crowd of demonstrating workers on February 20, 2012, of unintentionally injuring the workers. The court ordered him to pay 38 million riel (about Bt287,900) to his victims.
The workers had been demonstrating about labour conditions at a Kaoway Sports textile plant, a supplier to the Puma sportswear company, in the town of Bavet in south-eastern Cambodia.
Human rights activist Ou Virak said yesterday that the decision would not provide justice to the victims as the court was not independent. “This verdict is only to strengthen the CPP’s position at the elections on July 28,” he said referring to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
Prime Minister Hun Sen sacked Chhouk Bandith after the shooting.
