Warrants issued over ‘plot to kill MP official’

ARREST warrants have been issued by the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court for three suspects allegedly involved in a plot to murder a Military Police official, the provincial prosecutor said on Thursday.

NhaViseth, the deputy head of Preah Sihanouk provincial Military Police’s Justice Department, was severely injured on June 9, after jumping out of a moving SUV, the owner of which is claimed to be Moeung Sreytouch, a gang leader who was found to be illegally logging an area in Prey Nub district.

The injured Viseth was admitted to hospital after the incident. He recounted that after getting into the SUV with the gang members, he realised his life was in danger, forcing him to jump out of the vehicle.

“In the process, my right ear was almost torn off and I suffered bruises and other injuries throughout my body,” he previously said.

Chat Soraksmey, Preah Sihanouk’s provincial prosecutor, said on Thursday: “The suspects have been charged with attempted murder and arrest warrants have been issued to bring Moeung Sreytouch and her gang members to court to solve the case procedurally.”

Eng Hy, the spokesman for the National Military Police, said that investigators are now probing the case as well as other charges against Sreytouch or her accomplices.

In April this year, she was sued by Keo Pha, head of the provincial department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department, for allegedly “clearing and controlling forestland illegally in Poy Machov, located in Korki village, Bet Trang commune, Prey Nub district”.

Sreytouch has also been accused of falsely using the names of government officials to intimidate villagers in the area and grabbing land.