A social-media account alleged on February 12 that Stung Treng prison charged US$4,000–7,000 per cell to allow mobile-phone use. The account urged the Interior Ministry to investigate, and the allegation circulated online.
In a February 13 statement, the prison denied ever permitting phone use in exchange for money and rejected the accusation of paid access.
The prison said regulations strictly prohibited unauthorised possession and use of mobile phones and that it conducted regular and unannounced checks to keep contraband out. It suggested that some detainees might resent strict management and deliberately spread false information to damage the prison’s image. It said any hidden phones or other violations found would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, and urged the public not to believe unverified online rumours.
Compiled by KPS99TV.
