PHNOM PENH (CAMBODIA)
Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News) [Hong Kong]
October 15, 2024
By UCA News reporter
Police focus on the son of top Islamic cleric for assault on 18 girls
Police are investigating allegations that the son of Cambodia’s top Islamic cleric had raped and sexually assaulted 18 girls in a school dormitory after complaints were lodged online by students which prompted NGOs to reach out.
At least one girl is reportedly pregnant, while others have refused to attend the An-Nikmah Al-Islamiyah Institute in Phnom Penh, where the dormitory manager and son of Sos Kamri allegedly physically abused six female students and sexually harassed 12 others.
Sok Kamri, director of the Supreme Islamic Centre, defended his son, Sos Haimi, saying he had denied any wrongdoing and claimed rumors of such behavior were false.
But he supported the investigation into the allegations in pursuit of ensuring justice for the victims.
“I have seen rumors and distribution on social media about the case of girl students being abused at Anniek Mak Phnom Penh, involving my son, Suhaimei, the administrator of the Girls’ Boarding School [sic],” he wrote on his Facebook account.
“After receiving this news, I questioned my son several times for the truth and he denied, he didn’t act like the rumors [sic]. I support finding the truth to give justice to the victims,” he wrote.
Officials have said the matter is under investigation but declined to comment further, while the An-Nikmah Al-Islamiyah Institute has issued a statement saying Sos Haimi had been removed from his position after female students complained about abusive language and behavior.
In a statement, school management said it deeply regretted the incident while urging authorities to investigate.
It also requested action against those spreading false information that could damage the reputation of individuals and the school.
It asked the public not to share articles or images that could lead to misunderstandings and social insecurity, adding that most students were continuing their studies as usual and that only a small number had made a request to remain at home.
“We will publicly release the results when the investigation has been completed,” interior ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak told the online news portal, Cambodianess.
“Some said we are silent regarding this case, but please believe in us as we are working on it.”
Phnom Penh Municipal Police chief Chuon Narin told the Camboja News that his department is working with the anti-human trafficking and juvenile protection unit regarding the matter.
The investigations followed an Oct. 10 complaint by Som Mengly of a scandal involving sexual abuse on a Facebook account which has since been deactivated. The post went viral and a day later Mam Somaly, president of AFESIP Cambodia, urged students to speak out.
AFESIP (acting for women in distressing situations) is an NGO focusing on sexual exploitation and the raping of girls and women. Mam Somaly said she would help the victims find justice, adding: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid my child.”