Vanny gets 30-month sentence
ceremony” as part of the socalled Black Monday protests.
Yesterday’s verdict saw her convicted of intentional aggravated violence and sentenced to two and a half years in prison. She was also fined 5 million riel ($1,240) and ordered to pay 4 million and 5 million riel compensation, respectively, to plaintiffs Hao Hoeurn and Ouk Ratana – both Daun Penh security guards.
“I did not commit the [crime],” Vanny said, as she broke down. “I’ve never seen [Hao Hoeurn’s] face, and when I saw it I was very shocked, because he is so big. How could I beat him?”
The trial began on February 3 but was abruptly adjourned the same day by judge Long Kesor Pirum after a commotion broke out in court between one of the plaintiffs, TepVanny and observing activists. Pirum cited personal health issues as he postponed the hearing.
As the trial resumed yesterday, Prampi Makara district security guards outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court attempted to disperse protesters, kicking and physically dragging them across the street. In the scuffle, two Boeung Kak residents and a pregnant woman from the Borei Keila community suffered minor injuries and fainted.
The security guards then turned their attention to 46-yearold Mao Socheat after he attempted to intervene, chasing him into a restaurant and punching him repeatedly in an incident captured on video.
Socheat, who recently applied to be a CNRP candidate in the commune elections only to later withdraw, insisted he had only been asking security to unhand the female activists.
“They came to beat me, but I tried to avoid it and fell down on the street. I got up and ran inside City Mall, because I thought I would be safe there,” he said.
City Hall spokesman Met Measpheakdey yesterday refused to comment on Socheat’s beating, saying he had not seen the video, but defended the actions of Prampi Makara security guards.
“I do not consider this violence. It was just pushing from both sides,” he said, adding that Vanny’s supporters had been conducting an “illegal protest”.
Inside in the courtroom, three Boeung Kak residents – Nget Khun, Bo Chhorvy and Kong Chantha – testified on behalf of the defendants, saying the group’s attempt to submit a petition to the premier had not been a demonstration.
No witnesses appeared for the prosecution, though statements from the Daun Penh security guard plaintiffs – also absent – were read aloud in court.
“I heard Tep Vanny order through a loudspeaker telling protesters to go into the prime minister’s house,” Ouk Ratana said in a statement. “Another lady, who was about 50, carried a bag and beat our group, injuring the back of my head.”
Defence lawyer Sam Sokunthea was quick to point out that the guards had accusedVanny of allegedly instigating the violence but made no attempt to arrest the other alleged perpetrators mentioned in the statements.
“There is no audio or video to show my client used violence, only the answers of the plaintiffs,” she said.“There is no strong evidence against my client.”
More than 60 civil society groups yesterday condemned both the “unjust conviction” and “outrageous violence”, adding that there was no credible evidence to support the case.
“Authorities are once again punishing Vanny for her activism to send a clear message to any who dare criticise the government that dissent is not tolerated in Cambodia,” said Naly Pilorge of Licadho.