First Khmer Rouge Trial Inches Nearer
Khmer Rouge tribunal officials announced Thursday they would determine a trial date for Duch in January, indicating the firmest date ye
Khmer Rouge tribunal officials announced Thursday they woulddetermine a trial date for jailed prison chief Duch in January, setting thefirmest date yet for the first trial of five jailed leaders. In a statement Thursday, tribunalofficials said the trial date for Duch, whose real name is Kaing Kek Iev, will be decided after the Pre-Trial Chamberrules on an indictment appeal by prosecutors on Dec. 5. Prosecutors appealed a ruling by investigating judges in August, claiming the indictment had not encompassed the full extent ofhis alleged crimes. A ruling on that appeal will move a trial forward, thoughno date is certain. “We cannot expect any date before the Pre-Trial Chamberdecides on the appeal,” tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said. However, Long Panhavuth, a program officer for court monitorfor the Open Society for Justice Initiative, said he expected a trial for Duchwould not start until at least February 2009. Duch, 65, charged with war crimes and crimes againsthumanity, has been detained since May 1999. Four other Khmer Rouge leaders werearrested in 2007. “Successfully conducting trials of this significance is acomplex process, and the Court recognizes that it can be frustrating for themillions who have been waiting for decades to see justice done,” the tribunalsaid in its statement Thursday. “Nevertheless, each step of the legalprocess must be followed carefully and conducted in line with the higheststandards of justice. This will also ensure the most enduring legacy for theCambodian Courts.” The announcement came as three senior-most detained leaderswere sent to the hospital for check-ups. Nuon Chea, 82, Khieu Samphan, 76, andIeng Sary, 82, each were taken to CalmetteHospital for routinevisits this week.