A Change of Guard

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Sunday 6 May 2012

Government wraps up inquiry into fatal shootings [Pathetic: The investigation is finished before it even began]

Tith Sothea,deputy director of the Council of Ministers Press and Quick Reaction Unit, showing made-up photos (Photo: Bona, RFI) 

PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - A government commission on Saturday wrapped up its inquiry into the fatal shootings of environmental activist Chut Wutty and military policeman In Ratana in Koh Kong last week.

A statement said the activist was shot dead during an altercation in which he belittled the policeman, who opened fire on his car. The bullets were deflected and hit the activist who was in the car, it said.

The policeman died when private security guard Ran Borath accidentally shot him while trying to grab his gun to prevent the activist from being shot, it added.

"Chut Wutty eventually died as a result of the deflection of bullets," said Tith Sothea, deputy director of the Council of Ministers Press and Quick Reaction Unit.


"Ran Borath is guilty of unintentionally killing In Ratana during the confrontation," he added.

“This is the most accurate assessment as testified by eyewitnesses, witnesses near the incident and relevant people. So it solves public questions about the case."

Chan Soveth, senior investigator for human rights group Adhoc, rejected the statement, saying that the private security guard's guilt had been downplayed.

According to Chan Soveth, the case is similar to the shooting of three protesting workers by the Bavet district governor earlier this year. The governor has been removed from his position and he has since been charged with unintentionally causing bodily harm.

"Civil society groups plan to send a statement from an independent investigation to Prime Minister Hun Sen next week so that he considers and compares it with that from the government’s joint committee," Chan Soveth said.

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