Three Charged for Assaults on Cambodian Lawmakers

Three Cambodian men are in custody after attacks on rival lawmakers last month in Phnom Penh.

The suspects are Chay Sarith, Mao Hoeurn and Suth Vanny. They gave up to police last week. The three claim to have attacked lawmakers Nhay Chamroeun and Kong Saphea. The lawmakers are members of the National Rescue Party.

The attacks happened after protests supported by the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). The attacks took place outside parliament in view of police. Police did not get involved in the violence.

VOA was told by a Phnom Penh lawyer the three men were charged with, "intentionally causing violence and destruction of property."

The two victims were taken to a hospital in Bangkok for treatment. They said they would like to see those who ordered the attacks arrested.

Nhay Chamroeun suffered a broken nose, teeth and ribs. Kong Saphea received bruises and cuts to the face.

The suspects could each serve seven years in prison.

The Rescue Party's Yem Ponrith praised the charges. He said the number of attackers numbered more than three.

Defense lawyer Choung Choungy said the men should be charged with serious crimes. He said the charges should include attempted murder.

I'm Jonathan Evans.

Neou Vannarin and Sok Khemara reported on this story for VOANews.com. Hean Socheata contributed to this report. Jim Dresbach adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.

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Words in This Story

custody – n. the state of being kept in a prison or jail

ribs – n. any one of the curved bones of the chest that connect to the spine

bruises – n. dark and painful areas on or under the skin which are caused by an injury

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