Court questions officials over sale of Jolie-Pitt land
An environmental ranger and a village chief were questioned yesterday by the Pailin Provincial Court for allegedly colluding to grab, clear and sell land in a protected area supported by the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, according to officials. The questioning followed a complaint filed by the provincial Environment Department in January regarding the alleged forestry crime in Phnom Dambang village in O’Tavao commune in the Samlot protected area. Kem Sokha, director of the provincial Environment Department, said the case revolves around 2 hectares of allegedly cleared land. While environment rangers are allowed to cultivate on the land, the clearing and selling is prohibited, he said.
