Lenient Sentence Causes Fear and Frustration for the Victims and the Families

Phnom Penh, Today, 11 March 2016, a 57-year-old German national, Udo Sabiniewicz, was sentenced to a one-year imprisonment for sexually abusing five boys aged 7 and 9 years old. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court also ordered him to pay USD 1,000 compensation to each of the two plaintiffs.

Udo Sabiniewicz was arrested in June 2015 at his FX Animation dubbing studio in Chbar Ampov district and charged with indecent acts against minors under fifteen years, after the mothers of two young boys accused him of abusing their sons.

Speaking to the court's decision, the plaintiffs said they were not pleased with the verdict and will consider an appeal.

“One year imprisonment is lenient and does not justify the damage of the victims. We will advocate for a harsh sentence. Udo also deserves being deported at the end of his sentence.” said Vando Khoem, APLE’s Programme Manager, insisting on automatic deportation to be applied in all child abuse cases.

About

At APLE, we protect vulnerable children, prevent abuse, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful change.

Founded in 2003, APLE has grown from a small initiative into a leading force in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse in Cambodia.

Registered with the Ministry of Interior in Cambodia, No. 1599.

Vision

Our vision is a community with robust social and legal justice in which all children are free from sexual exploitation and abuse.