Ta Mok in his heyday as Khmer Rouge leaderVoice of America
Washington, D.C.
06/07/2006
Former Khmer Rouge commander Ta Mok's lawyer alleges that his client might not be able to stand trial, as he cannot sit up, stand up, or answer questions at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal for former Khmer Rouge leaders, on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, due to illness and old age.
Eighty-two-year old Ta Mok, was detained in 1999. He is believed to be the first Khmer Rouge high ranking official to be detained in military prison, to be tried at the tribunal, for crimes committed between 1975-1979.
The Khmer Rouge Tribunal is expected to begin in 2007. But Ta Mok's lawyer and military prison officials were reported as saying that he is being treated at a hospital in Phnom Penh, and is in poor health.
Ta Mok's lawyer, Benson Samay told VOA that it looks as though Ta Mok will not be able to stand trial unless he will be lying down. He says he would be able to have a power attorney over his client since he has known him for 7 years now.
Executive director of the Cambodian Defenders Project and Law Lecturer Sok Sam Oeun says that what either Ta Mok or his lawyer or the prosecutor will say at the tribunal are not important, since the defendant has the right to remain silent.
When the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty, his lawyer cannot act on his behalf, or acts as a witness.
Brigadier general Ngin Sam An, military court's deputy director says that whether or not Ta Mok can go to stand trial, it all depends on his physician.
The Khmer Rouge regime is blamed for the death of nearly two million Cambodians who perished under its leader Pol Pot, from 1975-1979.
Eighty-two-year old Ta Mok, was detained in 1999. He is believed to be the first Khmer Rouge high ranking official to be detained in military prison, to be tried at the tribunal, for crimes committed between 1975-1979.
The Khmer Rouge Tribunal is expected to begin in 2007. But Ta Mok's lawyer and military prison officials were reported as saying that he is being treated at a hospital in Phnom Penh, and is in poor health.
Ta Mok's lawyer, Benson Samay told VOA that it looks as though Ta Mok will not be able to stand trial unless he will be lying down. He says he would be able to have a power attorney over his client since he has known him for 7 years now.
Executive director of the Cambodian Defenders Project and Law Lecturer Sok Sam Oeun says that what either Ta Mok or his lawyer or the prosecutor will say at the tribunal are not important, since the defendant has the right to remain silent.
When the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty, his lawyer cannot act on his behalf, or acts as a witness.
Brigadier general Ngin Sam An, military court's deputy director says that whether or not Ta Mok can go to stand trial, it all depends on his physician.
The Khmer Rouge regime is blamed for the death of nearly two million Cambodians who perished under its leader Pol Pot, from 1975-1979.
2 comments:
This man is look 100% like evil. He cannot be a leader. He must be confused of himself for trying the wrong way. THe sooner he die is the best. May his spirit will go hell.
Come on man, stop trying to weasel out of this. What a lawyer? Excuses is never going to make it in tribunal.
One idea for the lawyer. If he cannot come sitting/standing/, then put him in a hospital bed where you crank up the head of the bed. Better yet, put him in a wheelchair, and tie him at the torso for aiding in sitting up. If he to die before the trial, bring his head to the court for the judges.
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