Lawyers for two opposition lawmakers attacked last month outside the National Assembly filed a formal complaint against their alleged attackers yesterday at Phnom Penh Municipal Court, jump-starting the investigation into an attack that some observers have claimed was orchestrated by the government.
The complaint is signed by Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmakers Nhay Chamroeun and Kong Saphea, who are continuing to receive treatment at a Bangkok hospital.
It brings new charges against the three suspects who turned themselves in last week. The complaint accuses the men of aggravated assault, property damage, and attempted murder. Together, the crimes carry a possible sentence of 35 years in prison. The two lawmakers are also requesting $25,000 in compensation each.
Sam Sok Kung, a lawyer representing them, said that the new, more serious charges make it likely that it will take more time for the case to go to trial. It may be between four and six months before the suspects go on trial, he said.
The three suspects – soldiers Chay Sarith, Mao Hoeurn, and Soth Vanny – have been detained at Prey Sar prison. They confessed last week to participating in the attack, videos of which has been circulating online. Mr. Chamroeun and Mr. Saphea were dragged from their vehicles and beaten, following an anti-opposition party rally. In the videos police can be seen nearby. The videos also show a large group of attackers, who remained in the area after the anti-opposition protest moved to the home of CNRP vice president Kem Sokha. Only the three suspects who turned themselves in have been arrested so far.
Meas Cheanpiseth, a deputy prosecutor at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, said that the investigation is ongoing. Among other witnesses, the police have also brought the two legislators’ drivers to court for questioning, he said, declining to comment further.In their complaint, the two lawmakers urge the government to cast a wider net. Mr. Kung called for speedier justice. “The court has to speed up the process,” he said. “They need to conduct an unbiased investigation, and bring the suspects to trial.”