Problems finding Cambodian interpreter led to wasted time, delays, mistrial and stayed charges
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has stayed charges against an accused drug trafficker because the Ministry of Justice’s repeated failure to find a competent Cambodian interpreter.
Justice Douglas Thompson called Rong Kong Thim’s two-year legal language odyssey “one of those clearest of cases where the integrity of the judicial system is best protected by a stay of proceedings.”
The Comox Valley man was charged in September 2013 with possession of cocaine and marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, as well as unlawful production of marijuana.
Thompson acknowledged the seriousness of the charges. But after a series of adjournments and numerous attempts to find an interpreter — one of which led to a mistrial — the judge said he was left with no choice. More.
See: CBC News
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Thailand
Local time: 10:11
English to Thai
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In 1998 at Hearthrow Airport, I was suspended by UK immigration officials who claimed that I as suspected of dealing with drugs due to a number of "red flags." I learnt that my English conversation as well as logical discussion cleared out the matter.
I also understood that flying from certain regions of the world tends to be questioned regarding drugs.
Thanks to power of interpretation we have.
Soonthon L.
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