Phnom Penh — Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed the Ministry of Justice to file an appeal regarding the recent court ruling in a traffic accident that resulted in the deaths of four individuals. The case involves Neang Sam Oun, the owner of a Ford Ranger, who was found guilty of drunk driving under the Russey Keo flyover.

During a graduation ceremony at the Royal University of Law and Economics on September 26, 2024, Hun Manet expressed his concerns about the leniency of the five-year prison sentence handed down by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on September 25, 2024. He stated, “The decision seems too low compared to the magnitude of the accident.”

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a review of the case by the Court of Appeal, indicating that he believes the sentence does not adequately reflect the severity of the crime. He stated, “I said I know to be sure to appeal.”

In addition to the appeal, Hun Manet instructed the Ministry of Justice to reassess existing laws surrounding drunk driving, advocating for stricter penalties to deter similar offenses in the future.

Neang Sam Oun, an officer in the Ministry of Economy, was driving under the influence when the tragic incident occurred on January 20, 2024.