Teams to Search for Tuol Sleng Survivors
The Documentation Center will seek some of the 177 Cambodians released from Tuol Sleng under the Khmer Rouge. (22 August 2008)
As a trial for jailed prison chief Duch draws nearer, teamsfor the Documentation Center of Cambodia will begin searching for some 170survivors of Tuol Sleng prison. The center's director, Youk Chhang, said Friday about 177prisoners were released from Tuol Sleng, which was headed by Duch, between 1975and 1977. In finding survivors of the prison, the center hopes tobolster the cases against Duch, whose real name is Kaing Kek Iev, for civilparties in the case. The idea for the search stemmed froman indictment of Duch that was issued earlier this month that did not mentionthe survivors. "What is the reason that the co-prosecutors did notinclude this case in the closing order of Duch?" Youk Chhang said."Then we thought, we will do historical research, and we want to knowfurther why 177 prisoners were released." According the center, the prisoners were arrested fromKampong Thom, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, and other provinces, andthen released, between 1975 to 1977. Some of them were accused of links to the CIA, while othersstood accused of loving a forbidden partner. Other charges included attempts tosteal the motorcycles of Khmer Rouge cadre and other infractions against the secretive regime. "In the closing order, co-investigating judges did notmention this, and it seems that in the closing order all people who weredetained have been killed," Youk Chhang said. "Indeed, some of themwere released." The center will begin sending teams into the provinces nextweek in search of the survivors, in hopes of interviewing them and learning whythey were released. Documents indicate they were released at the recommendation of other Khmer Rouge cadre. Co-investigating judge You Bunleng said Friday the centerhad a right to investigate. "This is their affair. I cannot give further commentbefore the plenary trial," he said, adding that investigating judges donot give full details of the csae in their closing orders. Some documents of the center have already been used by civilparty and defense lawyers. "We think that all the work of NGOs that providesinterest in the [tribunal] will provide interest to our citizens," tribunalspokesman Reach Sambath said. Only 10 Tuol Sleng survivors have so far been discovered,and most of those have already died.