Thursday, April 24, 2008

Former Khmer Rouge head of state faces public hearing

Apr 23, 2008
ABC Radio Australia

The former Khmer Rouge head of state has appeared for his first public hearing in Cambodia's genocide tribunal.

Khieu Samphan was detained by the UN-backed court in November on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He stood as prosecutors outlined the case against him, then the court went into a closed session.

Khieu Samphan is defended by French lawyer Jacques Verges.

A fierce anti-colonialist, Mr Verges reportedly befriended Khieu Samphan and other future Khmer Rouge leaders while at university in Paris in the 1950s.

He made his reputation by defending Nazi war criminal, Klaus Barbie, and Venezuelan terrorist, Carlos the Jackal.

Khieu Samphan has repeatedly denied involvement in the genocide of two million people by the Pol Potists.

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