Posted by Dan Slater
The Wall Street Journal
For all you jet-setting lawyers who practice abroad, consider this cautionary tale. A French attorney, unhappy that court documents hadn’t been translated into his native language, erupted before Cambodia’s genocide tribunal yesterday, earning himself a warning from the court and a postponement of the hearing.
The lawyer, Jacques Verges, 83, is representing Khieu Samphan, whom the tribunal has charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the reign of the Khmer Rouge, from 1975-79. (Here’s the AP story.) Khieu Samphan, 76, has repeatedly denied responsibility for any atrocities.
Verges reportedly stormed out of Wednesday’s closed-door hearing, telling reporters that judges had asked Khieu Samphan to find a new lawyer. “French is an official language of the tribunal. There is not one page of the case file against Mr. Khieu Samphan translated into French,” Verges told reporters, speaking in French. “I should be capable of knowing what my client is blamed for.” He added: “I have been a lawyer for 50 years, it is the first time I have seen judges ask an accused to change his lawyer. This is a scandal!” he said.
The lawyer, Verges, reports the AP, has earned notoriety with a client list that includes Nazi Gestapo officer Klaus Barbie, Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal and former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. Verges and Khieu Samphan apparently met when they both were active in left-wing student activities in Paris in the 1950’s.
The lawyer, Jacques Verges, 83, is representing Khieu Samphan, whom the tribunal has charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the reign of the Khmer Rouge, from 1975-79. (Here’s the AP story.) Khieu Samphan, 76, has repeatedly denied responsibility for any atrocities.
Verges reportedly stormed out of Wednesday’s closed-door hearing, telling reporters that judges had asked Khieu Samphan to find a new lawyer. “French is an official language of the tribunal. There is not one page of the case file against Mr. Khieu Samphan translated into French,” Verges told reporters, speaking in French. “I should be capable of knowing what my client is blamed for.” He added: “I have been a lawyer for 50 years, it is the first time I have seen judges ask an accused to change his lawyer. This is a scandal!” he said.
The lawyer, Verges, reports the AP, has earned notoriety with a client list that includes Nazi Gestapo officer Klaus Barbie, Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal and former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. Verges and Khieu Samphan apparently met when they both were active in left-wing student activities in Paris in the 1950’s.
6 comments:
give the man a fair trial. Translate his document!
Arrest Sihanouk ,the chosen one,before slamming Samphan.
French is royal language and breakfast during DK,comprendez?
My beloved Khmers!
The struture of Khmer's justice can be logically fair is only initially arresting all the leaders of KR, including Sihanouk, Heng Samrin, Chea Sim, Hun Sen and more... Otherwise, the reality of the world is always naturally unfair!
Well, if there is a French lawyer represent his client and if French language is one of the applicable language used in the court then have all those documents translated so the lawyer and client would have comprehensive ideas on charges brought against him.
This is International Standard and it is fair.
I think it is both, his tactic and his arrogant french character. I'm sure if he asked nicely, the court will comply. On the other hand, he can hire someone to translate the document for him if the court has refused to do so.
Jacques, Jacques, Jacques..
Quelle sorte de grenouille es-tu???
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