Phnom Penh (FN), Sept. 17 – Cambodian Interior Spokesman Kheiu Sopheak rejected the opposition publication saying that Interior Minister Sar Kheng was stepping on the court’s affair concerning the bail release of former opposition leader Kem Sokha.

Minister Kheng’s speech at the party’s meeting in Prey Veng on Sunday was manipulated, the spokesman clarified.

“We asked Sokha to write a letter to request a security from us to make it legal, as one could not just make request verbally. What we did was implementing the court’s order, not intervening court’s affairs,” Sopheak said.

The spokesman’s clarification came after Radio Free Asia publicized on Sunday that the minister’s arrangement was stepping on court’s affairs.

Ministry of Justice spokesman Kim Santepheap said Monday that competent authority could provide advice as a basis for judge’s decision.

“Judge did not possess all knowledge and skills. If needs be, for instance, in the field of health, forensics, security, or translation, judge indeed requires advice from competent authorities prior to making decision in accordance to one’s discretion,” said Santepheap.

Kem Sokha was conditionally released on bail in the early morning of 10 September 2018 due to his health conditions after being detained for over a year at Tropang Phlong prison.
=FRESH NEWS