King Norodom Sihamoni issued an official decree this month to retire 27 judges and prosecutors in the national court system.
The royal decree, dated Aug. 4 and obtained by VOA Khmer Monday, follows a request from the Ministry of Justice to the Supreme Council of Magistracy, which met July 29, to retire 43 different court officials.
Some of the officials to be retired welcomed the decision, which is meant to help the government reform the court system, but others said the decision was unlawful.
A second decree demoted two chief prosecutors, to positions of deputy chief, following findings of wrongdoings, namely Kong Seth, from Kampong Speu provincial court, and Lin Seang, from Stung Treng provincial court.