Kandal Provincial Court deputy prosecutor Seng Rithy issued a summons to provincial deputy police chief Ol Bonna to appear for questioning on April 26 over allegations that he misled cadastral officers and used violence against a property owner.
While denying the allegations, Bonna confirmed that he would appear as per court order.
According to the April 21 summons, Bonna – a resident of Prek Treng village in Takhmao town’s Setbou commune – will be questioned about accusations of misleading cadastral officers and using violence against a rightful property holder following a complaint filed on March 18 by Bun Chansothea.
Bonna said on April 21 that he had nothing to do with the case or any violence and as of the morning of April 21, he had not yet received the summons.
“We have nothing to do with any falsifications. My name has nothing to do with the land. We know nothing and until this hour, I haven’t even received an order yet and we do not know if they filed any complaint,” he said. “In each case, I was acting as a member of the police force. I did not get involved personally.”
However, on January 11, 2021, Minister of Interior Sar Kheng warned Bonna about “violating the code of conduct of the National Police”, saying that he would allow the deputy police chief to correct his conduct himself; otherwise, further actions will be taken.
Rights group Adhoc spokesman Soeng Sen Karuna said on April 21 that someone in the role of deputy police chief should be more aware of the law than ordinary citizens.
He said that if Bonna is found guilty, he should be punished more severely than ordinary citizens due to aggravating circumstances.
“In this case, they should take action in a transparent manner to protect the reputations of the other police officers who have fulfilled their roles and respected their duties properly,” he said.
He added that usually when a complaint is filed with the court, the complainant must have clear evidence and witnesses to establish the facts and if there is sufficient evidence to prove a criminal act, despite Bonna’s denials, there should be no escape from the law.
