The Court of Appeals in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) has reduced the sentence of Fabio Cencini from two years to three months in prison for committing indecent acts with children in Cambodia.

Cencini, a 45-year old Italian citizen, was arrested in February 2008, accused of "indecent acts" against four children between 8 and 13 years of age. In October of that year, he was tried and sentenced to two years in prison. However, immediately after his request for an appeal, the court confiscated Cencini’s passport then released him on bail.

At the appeal hearing held on March 30, 2010, the judge has ruled three months in prison for Cencini. Since the Italian had already spent three months in custody, he was to be released after paying compensation to each of the victims.

Cencini declared his regret for the acts and his desire to return to Italy to be with his family. The court stated that after his release he had not relapsed into previous behavior.

Panith Noun, appointed counsel by Protect, considered this a light sentence influenced by mitigating circumstances, as the crime of "indecent acts" against minors carries with it at least one year in prison.

More information about the case:
Fabio Cencini, Italian citizen, ordered to serve his sentence of 2 years in prison for the abuse of 4 children