[News Today] Rift over student autopsy in Cambodia

[LEAD]
A joint autopsy was recently conducted for the Korean college student who died after being tortured by a Cambodian crime ring.

But KBS confirmed through diplomatic documents that coordination between the Korean government and Cambodian authorities faced significant difficulties.

It was also revealed that Cambodia demanded a fee for using the autopsy room.

[REPORT]
On August 8, a Korean college student surnamed Park was found dead near Bokor Mountain in Cambodia after being tortured by a criminal organization.

Thirteen days after the incident, the Korean Embassy in Cambodia sent a diplomatic document to the Cambodian authorities requesting a joint autopsy.

Five days later, the document was received, but they delayed a response again, saying the case had now moved to the court.

Discussions over the student’s autopsy began to gain momentum only after KBS reported about his death on September 29.

Another meeting was held on October 6, but this time Cambodian officials said that given the limitations of Cambodia’s medical environment, expecting accurate results would be difficult.

After several delays, the date of a joint autopsy to be led by a Korean pathologist was set, but the plan hit yet another snag.

The Cambodian officials said the autopsy room at Tuek Thla Temple, where the student’s body was being kept, had no air conditioning, and only large electric fans were available.

Kim Sung-hoi / Security and Public Admin Committee (DP)
It raises questions about Cambodia’s commitment. We need a system for prevention and quick response, not just cooperation afterward.

The Cambodian temple also demanded 500 U.S. dollars for using the autopsy room.

Seoul’s foreign ministry is currently discussing the payment issue with the Cambodian authorities.

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