Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday sentenced a former border chief to life in prison and one military police officer to 30 years, while another received two years, for the murders of three forest conservationists who were on patrol in a wildlife sanctuary in Mondulkiri province last year.

 

On January 30, 2018, forest ranger Tern Soknai, National Military Police officer Sek Vathana and Wildlife Conservation Society official Thol Kna were gunned down during a routine patrol in O’ Raing district’s Pouyam village. The court tried four accused over the killings last month, including former chief of O’Rolear border post Phal Penh and former military officers Kert Veha, Kert Veta and Chheang Vannith.

 

During the trial, Mr Penh confessed to the murders while claiming he shot down the victims because they reneged on a deal to accept bribes to free illegal loggers. Presiding Judge Sor Sota yesterday sentenced Mr Penh to life in prison, while Mr Veha received 30 years and Mr Vannith two years. The fourth accused, Mr Veta, was found not guilty and will be freed from jail today.

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50649710/officer-imprisoned-for-life-over-cold-blooded-murder-of-forest-ranger/

12 hours ago, geovalin said:

claiming he shot down the victims because they reneged on a deal to accept bribes to free illegal loggers.

Whatever happened to honour amongst thieves?