Cambodia's new anti-corruption unit names first suspect

December 1, 2010
ABC Radio Australia

Cambodia's new Anti-Corruption Unit has named its first suspect, a prosecutor of a provincial court, in what many see as the first test of the much-criticised unit.

Police arrested the official and two of his bodyguards on Monday morning in Pursat province. The exact reasons for his arrest are unclear, but local human rights workers say he's notorious for corruption and for shooting up a restaurant three years ago.

Presenter: Liam Cochrane

Speakers: Keo Remy, spokesman Cambodia's Anti-Corruption Unit; Nget Theavy, Pursat province coordinator, human rights group ADHOC; Son Chhay, MP opposition Sam Rainsy Party; Thun Saray, director, ADHOC

Click here to listen to the audio program (Windows Media)

COCHRANE: When Cambodia's Anti-Corruption Unit was formed three months ago, many critics of the government predicted it would be a toothless tiger, a way to be seen as tackling corruption while carefully managing who is targeted.

So when Om Yentieng, the head of the unit and advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen, personally led police to the house of its first suspect, it was clearly a declaration of intent.

Spokesman for the Unit, Keo Remy, says there has been a positive response to the Unit's first arrest.

REMY: Yeah we got support, more support from the people. From Phnom Penh and in the civil servants, military police and sometime from everywhere they call me and they're very happy. Even in the Office of the Council of Minister they appreciate that.
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