The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee, CHRAC, a coalition of 18 local human rights NGOs, is deeply concerned about the killing of the Phnom Penh Municipal judge named Sok Sethamony, aged 42 in Phnom Penh.

Mr. Sok Sethamony was shot dead by an armed man with K54 driving with another man at 7:45 AM on April 23,2003 in Phnom Penh while he was driving his vehicle Pajero series 1993 and stopped at the stoplight of the road corner No.63 and Sihanouk Boulevard.

This is the first time that was a killing of Phnom Penh judge following a killing of the appeal court clerk recently. We are very regretful that so far the murders have not been found and arrested.

CHRAC believes that the above killings gravely affect the independence of the judiciary even if such killings caused from any motive. Moreover, such killings also affect the feelings of the politicians who are participating in the political activities before the National Election, which will be held on July 27,2003.

CHRAC condemns the killings and urge all the competent authorities to bring the perpetrators and their accomplices to justice. The government must take strict measures to prevent and strengthen the security especially in Phnom Penh in order to avoid any incidental killings.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Thun Saray, Chairperson of Action Committee, Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, Executive Director of CDP, Tel: 012 901 199

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