Cambodia ex-governer faces trial over shooting
(03-04 19:00)
Cambodia on Monday reinstated charges against a former governor accused of shooting three garment workers, after activists slammed the case as an example of the country's culture of impunity.
The three women, employees of Puma supplier Kaoway Sports, were wounded when a gunman opened fire on protesters demanding better working conditions at factories in eastern Svay Rieng province in February 2012, AFP reports.
In December a provincial court dropped charges of causing unintentional injuries against Chhuk Bundith, the prime suspect in the shooting, and instead charged a police officer with involuntary bodily harm over the incident.
The move by the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh to reinstate the charges against Bundith -- who was removed from his post of governor of Bavet City after the shooting -- follows a new investigation launched in January.
"The court charges him with causing unintentional injuries and returns the case to Svay Rieng provincial court to open the trial in accordance with the law,'' judge Khun Leang Meng told reporters after a closed-door hearing.
The victims welcomed the decision. Keo Near, who was shot in the arm, said the appeal court had "rendered justice to the three of us''.
The textile industry is a key source of foreign income for Cambodia and employs more than 400,000 people, mostly women.
Rights groups say Cambodia's legal system is influenced by powerful and wealthy interests, leaving the country without proper rule of law.
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