The prosecutor's office at the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court of First Instance announced on February 6 that a Cambodian woman and a Chinese man had been charged with two offences over alleged insults against traffic police during enforcement of a drink-driving fine.
The charges were incitement to discrimination and resistance against public officials under aggravating circumstances. The incident occurred on the night of February 2 into February 3 on 28 June Road, also known as Daem Lmey Road, in Village 1, Sangkat 3, Sihanoukville.
The prosecutor's office received the criminal case file on February 4. After reviewing indications of criminal conduct, prosecutors filed charges under Article 496 and Article 504, point 1, of the Criminal Code and referred the case to an investigating judge through an introductory submission dated February 5 for further proceedings.
According to the case account, traffic police stopped a black Toyota Alphard bearing Phnom Penh registration 2BW-6130. The Chinese male driver's alcohol test gave a reading of 0.68 mg/L. Two Cambodian women intervened, asking officers to accept a fine of two million riel and issue a receipt immediately so the vehicle and driver could be taken home. When officers refused, one of the women and the driver became angry, filmed and insulted the police, and subsequently posted the video on social media. Police considered the conduct to show indications of resistance to public officials enforcing the law and orders of the authorities.
By: Nget Pisant
