Head of penal police Sok Khemarin, who has been accused of committing murder and torture during the 1990s, was among three senior Interior Ministry figures to officially become lieutenant generals this month, according to a royal decree.

Khemarin was elevated to three stars along with director of the ministry’s radio communication department Min Sovanna, and chief of the ministry’s finance and logistics department Lor Sokleng, according to the document.

Though the order was originally signed in August, Sokleng yesterday said the promotions took effect this month.

According to a report in March by journalism collective 100Reporters, Khemarin and head of the National Police’s anti-drug force Mok Chito were the subject of multiple torture and murder allegations in the 1990s. 100Reporters cited court documents and testimony of witnesses.