Shaun Turton and Mech Dara

With three men set to face court today over the brutal bashing of two opposition lawmakers outside parliament last year, official documents have confirmed the accused are members of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s personal Bodyguard Unit – while additional evidence suggests further involvement by the elite unit.

Mao Hoeung, 34; Sot Vanny, 45; and Chhay Sarith, 33, were due to appear at Phnom Penh Municipal Court this morning on charges of intentional violence with aggravating circumstances and property damage in relation to the October 26 attack on CNRP lawmakers Nhay Chamroeun and Kong Saphea.

While previously identified only as “soldiers” – and despite the Bodyguard Unit expressly disavowing them – official documents signed by authorities and seen by the Post list the trio as “Bodyguard unit” members.

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Beaten lawmakers to skip hearing

Thu, 28 April 2016

Meas Sokchea

Opposition lawmakers Kong Saphea and Nhay Chamroeun have opted to boycott this morning’s opening of the trial of three men – Chay Sarith, 33, Mao Hoeun, 34, and Suth Vanny, 45 – accused of beating them outside of the National Assembly in October.

Saphea said yesterday that he and Chamroeun, MPs for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), will not be present at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court because they believe Cambodian justice is a rigged game.

“We lack confidence in our court system. It looks like there is one standard for powerful men and another for their opponents,” he said, going on to cite the recent controversial pursuit through the courts and law enforcement bodies of fellow CNRP lawmakers Um Sam An and Kem Sokha – both cases have drawn criticism from civil society groups.

read more http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/beaten-lawmakers-skip-hearing