Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - No side deals, says Sasa’s dad

No side deals, says Sasa’s dad

Uth Thy (right), the father of former TV host Ek Socheata, enters Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday after he was summonsed to answer questions regarding compensation.
Uth Thy (right), the father of former TV host Ek Socheata, enters Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday after he was summonsed to answer questions regarding compensation. Hong Menea

No side deals, says Sasa’s dad

After appearing in court yesterday, the father of Ek Socheata, a local TV presenter better known as Ms Sasa, confirmed he would reject compensation from Sok Bun if it meant the tycoon would escape charges for viciously assaulting his daughter earlier this month.

Speaking yesterday, Uth Thy said the court had asked how much civil compensation his family would be seeking – a figure that would serve as a penalty on top of any potential jail time – but said he preferred to leave the decision in the hands of the court.

“The amount of compensation is for the court to decide; I would not like to suggest a figure.

But if he [Bun] hopes he can pay [separate] compensation to end the case, I will not accept it,” he said.

“I want the judiciary to convict that tycoon for what he did.”

Bun was arrested on July 18 at Phnom Penh International Airport, two days after an arrest warrant was issued and Interpol was alerted about the manhunt.

The tycoon had initially fled to Singapore on July 8, a day after the video began circulating on social media and national television.

Meanwhile, lawyer Put Theavy, who is representing Socheata and her family, said yesterday that the Japanese woman the actress was protecting from harassment by Bun is due to be summonsed herself as a witness, as is her translator, who was present during the July 2 attack.

“I will request that the court quickly summonses the two witnesses in the next week, because now the court has finished questioning the victim’s family,” he said, adding that he was asking for the case to be expedited due to its high-profile nature.

On Friday, it was revealed that the Japanese national had filed a rape complaint against Bun, a fact confirmed by police but which has not yet led to additional charges.

While Bun is currently awaiting trial in Prey Sar prison, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, his bodyguard remains at large.

Authorities have so far refused to name the man, who can be seen in the video of the attack waving a pistol and holding it to Socheata’s head.

He is wanted on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and attempted murder.

Socheata has claimed he pulled the trigger but that the gun did not go off.

Bun’s lawyer, Yin Sophy, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the