After the arrests of five Sihanoukville customs officers in connection with a drug trafficking case, the Prime Minister made a statement on 14 October publicly asking for the suspects to be released outside of custody.

The Prime Minister stated that the arrested officials were "not connected to drug trafficking at all". As a result, the five suspects were released on bail by the court.

Drug trafficking is a critical issue that destroys social order and social welfare of people, and the United Nations and the international community are paying much attention to efforts to suppress and eliminate drug trafficking. The statement of intervention made by the Prime Minister is contrary to these efforts and reflects the lack of value and authority which the government places in lower-ranking officials in the law enforcement system.

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC) does not question the court’s authority to allow the suspects to be released from custody; suspects have a right to apply for bail and the court has jurisdiction to decide on this. However, members of the Royal Government of Cambodia should not make statements that interfere with the independence of the judiciary, which is guaranteed by Article 130 of Cambodia’s Constitution. Furthermore, such statements would cause the international community to believe that the Royal Government of Cambodia has no will to combat crimes.

The CHRAC urges the Royal Government of Cambodia to respect the independence of judicial power and Cambodia’s Constitution. Specifically, the Royal Government of Cambodia should support the courts by actively implementing the government’s judiciary reform plan, in order to build the rule of law in Cambodia.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru LICADHO. HP: 012 802 506
▪ Mr. Thun Saray ADHOC. HP: 016 880 509
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun CDP. HP: 012 901 199

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