Seven men accused of gang raping then killing a sex worker last July appeared before the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday to face charges of murder accompanied by rape.

Four of the defendants – Chin Navy, Morm Vanan, Khat Suor and Moeun Khey – were questioned yesterday, while the remaining three – Prey Soklak, Earm Luch and Nang Navy – were quizzed on May 16.

According to testimony, Navy allegedly contacted sex worker Vong Konthea last July and brought her back with Vanan to their construction worksite in the capital’s Por Sen Chey district.

There, after settling on a price and concluding intercourse, the five others allegedly raped her. They also refused to pay her, after which they held her down and Sour proceeded to strangle her.

The defendants, minus Soklak, said they were coerced into confessing, adding that Soklak said they would be let go if they confessed.

Soklak, who called in the murder, was arrested last November for ignoring court summonses, though prosecutor Kham Sophary and defence laywer Sam Sokong later recommended the court let him off.