A 38-year-old mathematics teacher appeared before the Provincial Court of First Instance in Kandal province on Monday, December 9, 2025, facing charges of sexual harassment and extortion involving multiple female students. Eight child survivors and seven plaintiffs provided testimony during the full morning trial, with proceedings set to continue as additional survivors prepare to testify. APLE has provided legal support and court accompaniment for all the victims.
The defendant, once entrusted with educating hundreds of children, was arrested on July 26, 2025, by Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection (AHTJP) police in Kandal province. Authorities received complaints alleging he committed sexual abuse crimes against multiple female students, aged 14 to 17 years old, reportedly in exchange for good grades in class.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community. Some students stopped attending classes, unable to face the stigma, while others dropped out entirely.
Eleven students initially came forward, though only ten provided testimony. APLE Cambodia has been providing emotional and legal counseling support to the students and their families throughout the process.
Following risk and needs assessments conducted by APLE in collaboration with local authorities, eight child survivors and their families received legal counseling and representation. These survivors provided statements to the investigation judge at the first instance court in Kandal with support from APLE lawyers in August 2025.
APLE has provided extensive preparation for the survivors participating in legal proceedings, including legal counseling on child survivors’ rights at court, Explanations of court procedures and what to expect in the hearing hall, guidance on managing nervousness and anxiety during court proceedings; and ongoing emotional support throughout the legal process.
This case has exposed significant gaps in child protection systems, including schools without strong safeguarding measures, committees that prefer silence over addressing scandals, and children who often feel they must suffer alone. The case demonstrates how abuse can hide in plain sight and how institutional silence allows exploitation to continue unchecked.
The eight child survivors and their families who participated in the initial proceedings are now awaiting the continuation of hearings. APLE continues to provide ongoing legal counseling and emotional support as the case progresses through the court system.