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Cambodia Suspends Traffic Police Chief Amid Illegal Detention Probe
Cambodia's Ministry of Interior has temporarily suspended Lieutenant General Run Ratnvasna, head of the National Traffic Police, to facilitate an investigation into allegations of illegal detention. A young man filed a complaint accusing him and accomplices of unlawful confinement, seeking substantial damages.
Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Interior announced on July 23, 2023, the temporary suspension of Lieutenant General Run Ratnvasna, Chief of the National Traffic Police Department under the General Commissariat of National Police. This measure is to facilitate further investigation into a complaint filed by a young man. The complaint, lodged with the General Commissariat of National Police, accuses Lt. Gen. Run Ratnvasna and his accomplices of illegal detention. The complainant, identified as Hout Sithirach, a 25-year-old male residing in Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh, filed the lawsuit on July 17, 2023. According to the complaint, the charges include illegal detention with aggravating circumstances, infringement of personal liberty, refusal to release unlawfully detained individuals, extortion, incitement, and conspiracy. Sithirach is seeking damages totaling $505,000 USD and $200,000 USD in moral damages from Lt. Gen. Run Ratnvasna and his associates. The Ministry of Interior's decision to suspend the police chief underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the government's commitment to investigating such claims, even when they involve high-ranking officials. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched for its implications on accountability and the rule of law in Cambodia.
Original source
CEN Cambodia