Houn Bunnith

IBJ Mourns Loss of Provincial Investigator, Mr. Houn Bunnith

It is with heavy hearts that the IBJ family shares the news of the untimely death of a staff member, Houn Bunnith. Mr. Bunnith, a dedicated IBJ team member and father of three, was allegedly shot by a military police officer on Friday, The Cambodia Daily reports. Mr. Bunnith was in Kandal visiting his family for the Khmer New Year when he confronted the officer about allegedly conducting an illegal gambling business. The officer then allegedly shot Mr. Bunnith, dropped … Continue Reading →

Ary, an IBJ client who borrowed money for property investment, was put in prison for breach of confidence after she went bankrupt.

Bankrupt and accused of breach of trust, Ary found help in IBJ

By Marcena Winterscheidt In December of 2007, Ary* borrowed $5,000 from a local middleman to invest in property.  The man worked in the front office of the provincial hall, a position of influence and wealth.  At the time, the land business was a very good investment.  Many people were experiencing a great deal of success buying and selling property.  The two parties agreed that Ary would make the first payment of $1,000 in December of 2008.  She insured the loan … Continue Reading →

Sopheak and Ouk

After more than a year since his acquittal, IBJ client released from prison seeks his family

  By Charlène Buisson After more than four and a half years spent in prison as an innocent man, Sopheak*—a husband and father—finally attained freedom from Koh Kong prison on 27 March 2013 with the help of IBJ. Sopheak’s case is the sad story of an innocent man forgotten by the justice system. Back in September 2008, he was arrested and detained for robbery with three of his friends because one of them accused him. He always denied it, and … Continue Reading →

aquited for a second time

Acquitted for a Second Time on Appeal

When IBJ first met Makara in 2009, IBJ’s provincial lawyer in Pursat successfully defended him against a murder charge.  The prosecution appealed and as is usual practice, he remained in detention until an appeal date was assigned.  He felt betrayed by the justice system.  He was stressed because he knew he would have to spend a longer period of time in detention.  But he knew IBJ would continue to fight for his case.  IBJ’s appeal lawyer successfully re-investigated and provided … Continue Reading →

Human Right Day Pursat Prison

Human Rights Day – Cambodian Art & Culture in Pursat Prison

To celebrate the United Nations’ International Human Rights Day, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) sought to bring Cambodian arts and culture to Pursat prison.  On 10 December 2012, Pursat prison saw its courtyard transformed in to a scene of dance, music, arts and laughter. The purpose of this day was to bring hope and light to the 223 prisoners in Pursat. After extensive fundraising efforts, IBJ sent a team of 10 lawyers; one dance teacher, a comedian and two music … Continue Reading →

Prey Veng Success Story – the importance of a lawyer and fair sentencing

Heng Lay Him, 20, comes from a humble farming family in Prey Veng Province.  On 11 November 2011, he was charged with murder. At the age of seventeen, Lay Him left school in grade seven to start work as a truck driver.  His father had sold most of the family’s rice fields, squandering away the profits for alcohol. So it was up to Lay Him to provide support for food and education for both his 8 year old sister and 16 … Continue Reading →

An Inspirational Visit Kandal Prison with Karen and Vandeth

During Karen’s recent trip to Cambodia we spent an afternoon in Kandal prison with the purpose of meeting all the female and juvenile prisoners. It was a privilege to visit Kandal prison with both Karen and Vandeth, a place Karen first worked back in 1994. There were some shocking tales as well as some stories of hope. The youngest juvenile prisoner we met was a 14-year-old boy, Sophea. He had been in prison for over one month without the knowledge … Continue Reading →

Blessings, Cross-Examination Techniques and a Vision for the Future at IBJ’s Lawyer Training Workshop in Phnom Penh

and Nastasia Bach Karen Tse, IBJ’s founder and CEO, and Daniel R. Fung, Chair of the Board of Directors, travelled to Cambodia to meet with the IBJ staff to collaborate and improve skills.  On April 7, 2012 eight lawyers and five investigators met at the IBJ office in Phnom Penh.  The day was divided into three parts: blessing by the monks, defender skills training, and visioning for IBJ’s future in Cambodia.  Throughout the day there was a common theme – … Continue Reading →

“So now my family can eat”: the Impact of a Bail Application

For the past two weeks I have had the fortunate experience of working alongside the International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) team in Rattanakiri, a remote province in far north-eastern Cambodia. I have seen a lot that words simply cannot describe. On Thursday at around 3pm IBJ’s lawyer, Mr Sary, received a phone call from the court informing us that our client’s bail application had been approved.   It is always good news to report that we have had a case dismissed, … Continue Reading →

IBJ Street Law Trainings in Takeo Province, Cambodia

and Nastasia Bach On 20 and 21 March 2012, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) held two legal rights awareness events on Cambodia’s Criminal Procedure and Penal Code in Takeo Province.  The two events brought together 100 Cambodian citizens eager to learn about their legal rights. At each event Mr. Kin Vibol, IBJ’s provincial lawyer in Takeo, started by explaining the purpose and importance of teaching Cambodian citizens about their legal rights.  He explained that the law provides rights to all … Continue Reading →