Khmer Krom: Newspaper Editor Found Dead
The body of Pav Sam Ath, editor of the Samleng Khmer Krom newspaper has been found dead. Reporters Without Borders called for an exhaustive investigation.
The body of Pov Sam Ath, editor of the newspaper Samleng Khmer Krom (Voice of the Khmers Kroms) was found in a suitcase yesterday [26 April 2007] in the Pich Nil valley in Kampong Speu province in the south of the country.
The autopsy showed that his killer used the 29-year-old journalist’s bicycle brake cables to strangle him with.
Reporters Without Borders called on the government, and particularly the Minister of the Interior Sar Kheng, to commit the necessary resources to an exhaustive investigation into the killing. “We believe it is important not to overlook the professional lead,” the worldwide press freedom organisation added.
Provincial police commissioner Kéo Pisei said the journalist’s body had been dumped in the valley three to four days before it was discovered. No clues had yet been found which could help identify any suspects. Police were not apparently giving priority to any particular lead. The body was returned to the family on the same evening and burial was expected to take place very shortly.
The information minister declined to comment on the case but said that the ministry would be sending a wreath to the funeral, in tribute to Pov Sam Ath.