The Phnom Penh Municipal Court opened a hearing in a criminal case involving the alleged attempted rape of a three-year-old child (age at the time of the incident) On November 19, 2025.
Present at the hearing were the child victim’s counsellor and attorney, provided by APLE. The defendant did not appear during this trial. Given the child’s age, the presiding judge and the prosecutor did not question the child; instead, they questioned the parents to obtain relevant testimony and context.
Throughout the investigative and judicial process, APLE has provided social and psychosocial support to the child and her family, including counseling, safe accommodation, court accompaniment, and referrals to essential services provided by its partner NGOs. APLE has also advocated for child‑centric, trauma‑informed court proceedings, aimed at minimizing re‑traumatization, safeguarding the child’s privacy, and prioritizing her best interests in line with international standards.
The court scheduled its verdict announcement for December 11, 2025.
