An investigating judge at the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court of First Instance ordered the pretrial detention of a Cambodian woman and a Chinese man after questioning them and examining evidence over alleged insults against traffic police. A court spokesperson announced the decision on February 7, saying the investigation would continue.
Prosecutors had charged the pair with incitement to discrimination and resistance against public officials under aggravating circumstances. The case was referred to the investigating judge through an introductory submission dated February 5.
The incident occurred on the night of February 2, when traffic police stopped a black Toyota Alphard with Phnom Penh registration 2BW-6130 on 28 June Road, also known as Daem Lmey Road, in Village 1, Sangkat 3, Sihanoukville. 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 they could take the vehicle and driver home.
When officers refused, one of the women and the driver became angry, filmed and shouted insults at the police, and posted the video on social media. Police said they found indications of criminal conduct involving resistance to officials enforcing the law and orders issued by the authorities.
By: Nget Pisant
