Ministry official suspended for shooting at couple

THE General Commissariat of the National Police on Friday suspended the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Terrorism Office director Thlang Phinra following a complaint from a couple whom he threatened with a gun.

On September 20, Phinra was accused of brandishing a gun to threaten the couple, who own a noodle shop in Boeung Kak II commune, in the capital’s Tuol Kork district. They filed a complaint to the court, the ministry and the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Deputy National Police chief Y Sokhy said on Sunday that under the guidance of National Police chief Neth Savoeun, an expert unit implemented Phinra’s suspension.

This came after the victims declined to accept an out-ofcourt settlement. Sokhy advised officials to visit the victims to make them feel safer.

Sokhy said: “This case is not in our authority anymore. We suspended him and the next step is the court’s decision. The court can call Phinra or order him to do something. We mediated with the victims, but they did not agree, so the court has to take action.”

Chuy Sokheng, the owner of the noodle shop and the one who f i l ed the complaint expressed gratitude to ministry leaders after hearing the news of Phinra’s suspension.

“My family hasn’t settled the case outside the legal system. We give authority to the court to take measures,” Sokheng said.

The Post could not contact Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesperson Kuch Kimlong for comment on Sunday.

The complaint to the three institutions on September 22 said Phinra cursed and threatened to kill Sokheng and his wife by taking out the gun while they were having lunch with eight other friends.

His family did not have any previous dispute with Phinra, who regularly ate at the noodle shop.

“I call on the Ministry of Interior, Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng and the court to find justice for my family. We are still worried about safety.

“He has money, power and position. I cannot confront him. I can only depend on the law to help me. I ask for compensation of $100,000 and to punish him without forgiveness,” the complaint read.

The Post tried to contact Phinra for more information, but his assistant said he was fulfilling his duties at the ministry.