Cambodian villagers beat suspected robber to death

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - About 100 people from five villages in
central Cambodia spent seven hours chasing down a suspected thief that
they later beat to death with sticks and stones, police said Thursday.

The villagers Monday attacked 19-year-old Bou Soben, who has long been
accused of stealing locals' motorcycles and money. He spent time in
prison last year for theft, said Touch Naroth, police chief of Kampong
Chhnang province.

They pursued him through rice fields and the jungle after his latest
alleged crime: he was accused of attacking his uncle two weeks ago,
stealing the man's motorcycle and later selling it, Touch Naroth said.

"We really regret that the villagers killed this (man)," he said,
adding that authorities found out too late about the incident to save
him.

No villagers were charged in the attack.

Vigilante attacks against suspected criminals are common in Cambodia.
Human rights advocates have said people often take justice into their
own hands because of weak and corrupt law enforcement. Police often
arrive too late to rescue the mobs' victims.


09/29/05 02:06 EDT


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