Top Kep Official on Run after Assault on Woman

This file photo shows Phou Lik speaking in a ceremony. Photo: Interior Ministry's Department of Personnel

PHNOM PENH – Police were still searching for former deputy governor of Kep province Phou Lik after he assaulted and harassed one woman and harassed another at a party on Dec 29.



Deputy Kep provincial police chief Pong Sokheng said on Jan. 2 that the suspect had evaded police, who were still hunting him.



Responding to criticism over why police did not arrest him at the scene, Sokheng said no police were present at the time. Lik escaped after the incidents.



"This morning, I sent the case to the prosecutor to continue the proceedings," Sokheng said.



Prime Minister Hun Sen removed Lik from his position on Dec, 31, at the request of Interior Minister Sar Kheng.



One victim was the head of the Kep provincial tax office. She was seriously injured and was sent to a hospital emergency room where doctors put 16 stitches in a wound, according to a General Department of Taxation statement.



Another woman tax officer was also harassed by Lik.



The General Department of Taxation said Lik's violence and harassment were considered heinous and called on authorities to take immediate legal action against him to seek justice for the victims.



The incidents happened at a party celebrating the promotion of another officer as director of the Kep Provincial Department of Environment.


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