Paedophile's Light Sentence Weakens Crackdown
A provincial court handed former school headmaster Jon
Keeler a relatively light sentence of three years - even though Cambodian
law calls for 10 to 20 years in prison for the charge of debauchery with a
minor. The sentence drew outrage from many child protection activists, who
wanted a strong message from the courts. The case comes as Cambodia is in
the middle of a major campaign to fight
child trafficking and exploitation. The efforts will continue to be
undermined unless the courts back up enforcement with stiff sentences,
activists insist. Keeler was caught filming his video in a park with four
young girls - activists had hoped his case would be used to set an example.
