Former Preah Vihear deputy prosecutor Kim Samleng was dismissed from his position for misconduct and unprincipled behaviour by royal decree on August 9. SRN
Preah Vihear deputy prosecutor Kim Samleng was dismissed from his position for misconduct and unprincipled behaviour, violating the professional code of ethics. His dismissal was formalised by royal decree on August 9.
Chea Leang, Supreme Court prosecutor and chair of the Disciplinary Council of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy, told The Post that Samleng had engaged in conduct that was deemed unethical according to the prosecutor's statute.
She stated that his documented actions included disrupting both public and government officials within the judiciary and other civil services, as well as causing disturbances among local traders.
She highlighted specific instances of misconduct, such as Samleng playing with a toy car in public, taking drinks from vendors without paying, using loudspeakers in public spaces and courtrooms, which disturbed others, and operating drones in unauthorised areas.
“These actions are inappropriate for someone holding a civil servant position. Furthermore, he often made decisions without notifying the prosecutor, including ordering the release of suspects without proper procedure," Leang explained.
She confirmed that Samleng had previously been summoned by the Preah Vihear provincial prosecutor for corrective action, but he failed to change his behaviour.
"He had already been disciplined once before his dismissal. Despite that, he continued his misconduct. Therefore, this was the time for decisive action, and the disciplinary council unanimously agreed to expel him," she added.
Additionally, it was reported by an anonymous official from the Preah Vihear Provincial Court that the former deputy prosecutor also suffered from mental health issues.
Chin Malin, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, stated that the decision to dismiss Samleng was made by the Supreme Council of the Magistracy’s disciplinary council, describing it as a necessary action to remove irregularities within the judiciary.
"What the justice ministry can confirm is that this is a stringent measure concerning the professional ethics of judges and prosecutors, especially during the ministry’s ongoing reform campaign. This action aligns with the principle of the Khmer saying, ‘a rotten fish must be removed to save the rest'," he said.
Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, expressed support for the dismissal, emphasising the importance of holding judges and prosecutors accountable when they fail to perform their duties or act against their responsibilities, which undermines the judiciary and draws public criticism.
He views the disciplinary action as a lesson for all prosecutors and deputy prosecutors to adhere strictly to professional ethics and procedures.
"We hope that the Supreme Council of the Magistracy and the justice ministry will continue to investigate and address misconduct among prosecutors, deputy prosecutors and judges who fail to fulfill their duties appropriately," he said.
Sam Ath believes that the dismissal of Samleng is a direct result of the ministry’s campaign to address irregularities within the courts, and he sees it as one of the initial outcomes of these efforts.
