Capital fatal drink-drive case ‘severe’: Malin
MINISTRY of Justice spokesman Chin Malin has clarified that the charges brought against the 56-year-old drunk driver responsible for a recent fatal road accident near Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo overpass are not minor as claimed by some.
Contrary to assumptions, he said the charges are more severe than those typically associated with involuntary manslaughter.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has charged Neang Sam Oun, a customs official, on January 23 with reckless driving leading to deaths and injuries.
This tragic incident, which claimed at least four lives, occurred on the evening of January 20 at a busy intersection near the Russey Keo overpass and suspension bridge in the capital’s Russey Keo district. Police reported that Sam Oun’s blood alcohol level was 0.54 mg/l, well above the legal limit.
“In recent days, discussions have arisen over the perceived insignificance and inadequacy of the charges levied against the driver,” Malin said.
“Legally, the concerns misconstrued the technical aspects of the law associated with the charges,” he added.
According to Article 85 of the road traffic law, a driver registering an alcohol level of 0.40 mg/l or higher and causing a death faces imprisonment of two to five years, fines of up to 25 million riel ($6,250), plus civil compensation and additional penalties including a ban from driving.
“Therefore, this charge holds significant weight, surpassing the severity of involuntary manslaughter,” Malin said.
Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, claimed on January
28 that some fatal road accidents are caused by intoxicated drivers. He said Cambodia currently lacks comprehensive laws on alcohol control.
He urged the government to hasten the enactment of such legislation and the courts to expedite legal proceedings of such cases.
“Neglecting accident cases and prolonging their resolution perpetuates injustice for the victims and their families. Criminal negligence by drunk drivers has been a significant factor in recent fatal accidents,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the prevalent practice of resolving cases through compensation, deeming it a significant issue with far-reaching consequences. Such instances, where victims accept money to conclude legal matters out of court, contribute to perpetuating injustices within contemporary society.