Newly-appointed Minister of Justice Koeut Rith has postponed the official launch of the Regional Court of Appeal in Preah Sihanouk province, as its building remained under construction.

The Regional Appeal Court in Battambang and Tbong Khmum provinces will be put into operation as scheduled.

Ministry of Justice spokesman Chin Malin told The Post on Wednesday that the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court of Appeal will begin operation when the construction is completed.

“Its construction is delayed because of the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.

The postponement was requested by the acting director of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Appeal Court and its prosecutor general, according to an announcement by the new justice minister.

“The launch is delayed until further notice. All legal cases within the jurisdiction of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court of Appeal shall fall under the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh in accordance with Article 4 of the royal decree,” said the announcement.

The royal decree said the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court of Appeal has jurisdiction over cases within territories that cover Preah Sihanouk and its neighbouring provinces of Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep.

A royal decree dated February 19 said the establishment of the Regional Appeal Court serves to ease the burden of people who would otherwise need to travel to Phnom Penh to pursue their legal cases.