Cambodian son slays "sorcerer" father

Penal police chief in the central province of Kampong Chhnang, Chim Bunthueon, said Tong Syleina, 20, attacked his father, Khat Tongly, 56, on Monday, hacking him to death with a machete.

He was charged late Tuesday evening.

"He admitted that he did the murder because he felt ashamed and embarrassed about village gossip that his father was a sorcerer. The villagers insulted his family with this talk and called him son of sorcerer and witch boy," Bunthueon said.

Executions of accused sorcerers remain common in rural Cambodia, where people are often deeply superstitious and many lack even basic education.

If convicted, Syleina faces up to 20 years in prison.//DPA - 24 April 2008