Phnom Penh: Justice is at the heart of a society governed by the law. But two events that occurred simultaneously in April 2026 are raising a burning question in the minds of citizens: Are Cambodian laws equally enforced?
Based on photographic evidence and detention order No. 552 dated April 24, 2026, issued by the investigating judge of the Kampot Provincial Court, Mr. Sok Ly, decided to temporarily detain Non Dara, a 15-year-old youth, on charges of “possessing or transporting weapons without permission.”
The youth’s crime was filming a video Reels and posting it on social media while holding a sword. As soon as the video was seen, the authorities intervened, arrested him, handcuffed him, and sent him to prison immediately. This is a good warning message to educate young people not to imitate inappropriate behavior.
As for “powerful officials”,
Let’s look at the case of Mr. Khieu Songchansothea, a police officer of rank 5 at the Ministry of Interior. In the traffic accident in Phnom Penh, this person has clear evidence:
Threatening: Using abusive language, threatening to beat up and imprison citizens.
Breaching administrative law: Sitting and smoking an electronic cigarette (vape), a prohibited item, in front of lower-level authorities, indifferently.
Bad history: Used to insult delivery people and journalists.
Despite the evidence, pictures and videos of the power-seeking and vaping activities that clearly violate the government ban, the public has not yet seen any strict disciplinary action, as in the case of the 15-year-old youth.
This disparity in action is making citizens watch the justice system.
