Cambodia: Man Arrested for Theft Alleges Police Brutality and Robbery; Police Deny Claims

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Koan Rotana, 65, who was arrested and temporarily detained on suspicion of theft, claims he was subjected to violence by police officers during interrogation and that his money and belongings were stolen. He was released on September 14, 2026, by order of a judge at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance, after more than 20 days in detention. Although charged with theft under Articles 353 and 356 of the Penal Code, the specific reasons for his release have not been officially clarified. Social media discussions have suggested a "wrongful arrest." Following his release, Koan Rotana stated that police officers used violence to interrogate him during his detention and that his cash and belongings were lost. In response, the Kambol District Police Inspectorate, through the Information and Rapid Reaction Team of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissionerate, issued a statement on the night of September 15, 2026, strongly denying these accusations as baseless. The team added that specialized authorities are conducting further investigations into the case. Addressing public opinion on social media regarding alleged wrongful arrests, the Kambol District Police stated that the implementation was based on collected evidence and witness testimonies from the original complainants, including temple elders and monks. Koan Rotana was arrested on August 12, 2026, within the Svay Meas Pagoda in Pratheah Lang commune, Kambol district, following a complaint from temple elders and monks accusing him of stealing "Kong Span" (believed to be temple property). Subsequently, the Kambol District Police Inspectorate compiled the case file and forwarded it to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance, where an investigating judge issued an order for his provisional detention on August 22, 2026, on charges of theft. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security