Four young men were arrested for possession of weapons on December 20 in Phnom Penh's Chroy Changva district. Phnom Penh Municipal Police
Since the May start of a campaign aimed at stamping out youth crime, more than 2,000 related cases have been referred to the courts.
The end of the first seven months of the crackdown showed a 45 per cent reduction in the number of cases.
Phnom Penh still experiences the highest number of such cases, while the province of Stung Treng has become a model province, with no ‘gangster” issues, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Ministry secretary of state Chin Malin addressed a December 25 press conference on the issue of juvenile delinquency.
He explained that since Prime Minister Hun Manet issued May 23 instructions for the authorities to focus on the issue, the Phnom Penh and provincial courts have processed 2,115 cases. A total of 2,849 individuals involved in these cases have been detained.
“Since strict enforcement strategies were introduced, we have observed a decrease. In the first month of enforcement, there were 629 cases, but as of now, there are only 342 cases in December,” he said.
Malin added that at the beginning of the campaign, there were at least 10 to 20 cases per day, and hundreds of people were arrested. Currently, there are only around 4 to 5 cases per day, and on some days, there are none.
He noted the judicial and prosecutorial institutions have taken strict measures regarding these cases. Charges including intentional damage, intentional aggravating circumstances, intentional violence, aggravated circumstances and unauthorised possession of weapons have all been brought, with many convictions already obtained.
According to Malin, the main causes of the offending are associating with anti-social individuals, drinking at night, resentment, love conflicts or drug use.
These cases have been classified as one of the major priority areas that the courts must address promptly, in order to maintain public order and social security, while protecting the well-being of citizens.
Keng Somarith, also a secretary of state at the ministry, also addressed the press conference.
He noted that in the 212 days from May 23 to December 20, a total of 720 criminal cases involving juvenile delinquents were forwarded to prosecutors nationwide, with 3,300 individuals arrested.
Somarith explained that the most cases were recorded in Phnom Penh, with Kampong Speu province in second place. It was followed by Takeo, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.
“The province with the least number of cases was Stung Treng, with zero cases. Stung Treng is a model province that has no cases involving ‘gangsters’. Other provinces should look at their example and follow the pattern of their work,” he said.
Despite the falling figures, Malin raised concerns about recent violent cases, particularly in Takeo. He suggested that this indicates the need for continued strict measures, with no exceptions.
He explained that the ministry called the press conference to inform the public that the measures that are being taken to combat the issue are strict and without leniency.
He added that the ministry urges all parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities and educate them so they do not “take the wrong path”. Malin explained that involvement in juvenile delinquency often leads to violence, which is dangerous not only for the individuals but also for their families and wider society.
Finally, he called on the public to report incidents of juvenile delinquency to the authorities immediately if they witness them, in order to ensure that a timely response can be made.
