A murder conspiracy trial for Heng Pov was postponed Monday until January next year, following a morning in court where the former police chief said he was running out of money to pay his defense.
Heng Pov, who was Phnom Penhpolice chief until 2006, is serving 58 years in prison on charges stemming from murder, extortion and unlawful detention.
He is facing a conspiracy charge for involvement in the 2003 murder of military police commander Gen. Sao Sokha.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Iev Kimsry opened the session early Monday, when Heng Pov and his lawyer requested the release of the defendant’s funds, which were frozen after his arrest.
Heng Pov told the court Monday he would no longer answer questions without the release of funds, and attorney Kao Soupha said he could not continue defending his client without more money.
“If the court still wants to try my client, I will not defend this case for Heng Pov, because Heng Pov already told the court that he needs lawyers,” Kao Soupha told reporters following the hearing. “If the court does not release the frozen funds for his lawyers, he will not answer the courts questions.”
In a Nov. 19 letter to Phnom Penh Municipal Court President Chiv Keng, Kao Soupha said Candadia Bank has $938,193 belonging to Heng Pov.