Senior Ratanakkiri Adjudicate Fired for Graft Charge

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

On Tuesday officials said The Supreme Council of Magistracy fired a senior Ratnankkiri Provincial Court official after investigating allegations that he demanded cash from a plaintiff return for fast-track her case through the court.

In a Feb 16 letter, Norng Sok, the court’s deputy director who stepped down Friday, CCP member was commanded to retired early by King Norodom Sihamoni, for he asked for $100 from plaintiff Sovann Phann in September 2005 in return for hearing her case quickly.

Sovann Phann reportedly paid $200 to a middleman to speak to Norng Sok on her behalf. But when Sovann Phann later contacted Norng Sok, he allegedly told her that he had only receive 150$ 0f sum and wanted more,  Ang Vong wrote.

Pen Bonnar, provincial coordinator for local rights group Adhoc, said that several people have filed informs with Adhoc claiming that Norgn Sok released suspects on bail under dubious circumstances.

Norng Sok rejected handling any other cases in an improper manner.