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Cambodia’s Justice System Riddled with Corruption and Shortcomings

Phnom Penh - Cambodia’s judicial system has been plagued by widespread corruption, lack of access to information on legal rights, and weak regulatory enforcement, according to a recent report.

Corruption and Injustice

The country’s judiciary is widely regarded as corrupt, with judges often facilitating unlawful charges against activists and journalists on behalf of the ruling party. The detention system is also plagued by overcrowding and underfunding in jails, with thousands of Cambodians detained without trial in so-called drug rehabilitation centers.

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Situation

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with limited prisoner access to lawyers or family visitors. Prior to the pandemic, there were reports that prison guards and officials often demanded bribes from inmates before allowing them to see visitors, attend their own hearings, or leave after serving the full term of their imprisonment.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Cambodia’s law enforcement system is also under fire, with the Cambodian National Police (CNP) understaffed, undertrained, and underequipped in many rural areas. The CNP’s effectiveness is hindered by patron-client relations and corruption among high-level officials.

Border Security Concerns

Cambodia’s porous border with Vietnam and Thailand has made it a key transit zone for drug and human trafficking, despite efforts to improve cross-border cooperation and enhance border security. The country lacks the capacity to protect national infrastructure from cyber threats, and its special economic zones are often informally controlled by Chinese representatives.

Economic Woes

Cambodia’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, with corruption, property perpetration, tax evasion, and inefficient government bureaucracy reported as major obstacles to foreign investment. The country has introduced a new law aimed at improving the investment climate, but experts say it falls short of addressing the root causes of the problem.

Extensive Casino Complexes

Extensive casino complexes have been identified as locations for bulk cash smuggling and money laundering, leading to a surge in gambling. The country’s lack of regulation over cryptocurrency exchanges has also raised concerns about illegal activities.

Civil Society Under Fire

Cambodia’s civil society organizations are facing increasing harassment from the government, with journalists, human rights defenders, and trade unions reporting intimidation and persecution. The government has banned journalists from filming, recording, and live-streaming active police investigations of criminal activities, and environmentalists have been targeted by the authorities.

Press Freedom Restrictions

The country’s press freedom is severely restricted, with negative reporting on the government often resulting in arrests or harassment of journalists. Despite these challenges, some civil society organizations continue to contribute to the protection of victims and witnesses in cases of child sexual exploitation and forced labor.

Calls for Reform

Human rights groups are calling for urgent reforms to address the country’s justice system, law enforcement, and economic woes. They say that without significant changes, Cambodia risks becoming a haven for organized crime and corruption.

Recommendations

The Cambodian government has been urged to prioritize transparency and accountability in its dealings with foreign investors, and to strengthen its anti-money laundering regime. The international community is also calling on the government to protect the rights of journalists, human rights defenders, and trade unions.

Conclusion

As Cambodia grapples with these challenges, many are left wondering whether the country will be able to overcome its corruption and criminal justice issues to become a more stable and prosperous nation.