Preah Sihanouk, on November 21st, 2019, The Preah Sihanouk court had a private hearing on
the case of a Cambodian citizen, Mr. Deab Det, who allegedly abused his step-daughter
sexually.
On January 14th, 2020, the above-mentioned Court pronounced its verdict against Mr. Deab
Det, finding him guilty of the abuse and sentencing him to 7 years in prison. He was also
ordered to pay a compensation of 1, 200,000 Riels (around 3,000$) to the civil party (a girl
victim) due to the âAggravating circumstances (status of victim)â under Art.241 of
Cambodiaâs Criminal Code.
On February 6th, 2019, the offender was arrested by police officials in Preah Sihanouk at his
house. The offender had abused his step-daughter three times, and had threatened to beat her
to death in case she would disclose the abuse. The 9-year-old girl couldnât tolerate it, and ran
to her uncleâs house to report the abuse.
The girl was rescued on the same date of the disclosure and referred to a temporary safe place.
After given temporary shelter for four months, she is now under the care of her biological
father and wife, going to school and receiving psychological services to support her journey
to recovery.
âThe judge ordered the compensation amount in accordance with the plaintiffâs request, and we are
satisfied with that. However, according to article 241 of the Cambodiaâs Criminal Code, this crime is
punishable with sentences from 7 to 15 years of imprisonment. The offender received a 7-year sentence,
yet this crime, under a worsening circumstance of the offender being the step-father of the child, deserves
the maximum punishment in order to prevent this from happening in our society.â said Ms. San Sony,
APLE Cambodia and child victimâs lawyer.
